Ranbir Kapoor's movie Animal, which hit screens in December 2023, sparked a lot of discussions and divided opinions. While some viewers praised the film for its intense action scenes and the emotional father-son storyline, others were critical of its violent content and accused it of promoting toxic masculinity. The backlash was not just limited to the audience; many people criticised Ranbir for choosing to be a part of such a film and questioned director Sandeep Reddy Vanga for making Animal, especially after the controversy surrounding his previous film Kabir Singh.
The criticism didn't stop with the public. Several celebrities also expressed their concerns about the film, labelling it violent and problematic. However, there were others who appreciated the film's boldness and storytelling.
Recently, filmmaker and producer Mahesh Bhatt, who is also Ranbir Kapoor's father-in-law, addressed the ongoing criticism Animal has been facing, even 8 9 months after its release. Mahesh commented that entertainment can often feel like a "bloodsport," where entering the arena means being prepared for both praise and criticism. The director stated that being in the spotlight has its challenges and that people will always celebrate a person's downfall and success.
Mahesh Bhatt told Hindustan Times that being an actor to pursue a career in entertainment is a choice an individual has made. He stated that performers have chosen this path, which is why there are so few of them compared to the many spectators. Bhatt stated that the world ultimately belongs to creators, not to those who simply watch and criticise. According to him, it takes a special kind of courage to step into the role of a performer.
Meanwhile, Animal also stars Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, and Triptii Dimri. While some criticised Ranbir for portraying a violent character, others also criticised Triptii for performing bold scenes in the movie. Sandeep Reddy Vanga has not been quiet because of the criticism he has received. Earlier, he used to hit back at those who slammed him for the movie. Ranbir and Sandeep will collaborate again as Animal ends on a cliffhanger, and a sequel titled Animal Park is already confirmed. However, there is no update yet on when the filming will begin.
