Animal: A Violent, Unrelenting, and Unforgettable Cinematic Experience

Ranbir Kapoor’s most hyped film of 2023 has let the audience stunned – some are raving about its impact, some are criticising its excessive violence but no one is able to ignore it. The film talks about the father-son relationship, a son who is really obsessed with his father and can do anything to protect him.

Ranbir Kapoor (Ranvijay) is a rich brat from Delhi who idolizes his father and has believed him to be a real hero since childhood. Balbir (Anil Kapoor), his father, is a big businessman and is very busy and unavailable for his son. When Ranvijay learns that there has been an assassination attempt on his father he sets out to exact revenge on the one who tried to kill Balbir. The born-with-a-silver-spoon-in-the-mouth Ranvijay turns into an extremely violent man who will kill anyone who tries to threaten his father.

His hair and beard grow, his looks become tough and strained — the transformation of Ranbir Kapoor to a deadly killer animal is edge of the seat stuff.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga: Staying True to His Style

After Kabir Singh, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his violent movies, rekindles his style of filmmaking in his second Hindi directorial – Animal. The raw depiction of brutal and gory violence has made Animal end up with an A certificate. The rather lengthy film of 203 mins banks on slick direction, creating a gritty and visceral world that epitomises the film’s dark and violent themes.

The action sequences are expertly choreographed, showcasing Ranvijay’s brute force and unwavering determination. The film’s cinematography is equally impressive, capturing the city’s underbelly with a gritty realism. The first half is action-packed but in the second half, the pace slackens till the entry of Bobby Deol, fondly called as LORD by fans on social media.

Great BGM Levels Up the Mass Action

 The use of perfect background music (BGM)  adds fuel to the high-decibel mass action scenes. Be it the interval block scene or Bobby Deol’s entry, the use of appropriate music in each scene has done a commendable job of leveling up the power and impact of the scene. The Arjan Vailly song, played effectively before the interval, had the theatre erupt with fans loudly expressing their appreciation.

Ranbir Kapoor: A Tour-de-Force Performance

Ranbir Kapoor, as Ranvijay, delivers an outstanding performance. Playing an obsessed son, Ranbir seamlessly transitions from moments of simmering rage to scenes of tender vulnerability, making Ranvijay a character who is both repulsive and strangely compelling. The dialogue delivery is impactful, be it in romantic scenes or in the action scenes. Ranbir Kapoor belts a killer performance, especially in the 15-minute interval block scene was mind-blowing.

‎Anil Kapoor, as Balbir, creates an impactful presence on the screen. As a father who tries to control his son’s destructive impulses, Anil’s nuanced performance is worth appreciation. He is both stern and affectionate, and his presence adds depth and dimension to the father-son dynamic.

Rashmika Mandana as Geetanjali, the lover and the wife of Ranvijay, serves as a counterpoint to the darkness. Her presence on the screen brings a touch of refreshing charm and vulnerability. The chemistry between Ranbir and Rashmika is compelling on-screen.

Bobby Deol’s 15-minute cameo as Abrar Haque leaves a strong impression on the minds of the viewers. Playing a speech-impaired character with no dialogue, Bobby Deol shocks the audience with his deadly expressions. One wishes Bobby Deol had more screen time because he does leave you wanting more of his smouldering histrionics.

The supportive cast, including Suresh Oberoi, Shakti Kapoor, Tripti Dimir, and Siddhant Karnick, do justice to their roles.

A Film for a Specific Audience

Animal is not a film for everyone. The film is unabashedly aimed at the youth and today’s generation. The brutal violence, morally ambiguous characters, and some disturbing and uncomfortable scenes will undoubtedly offend some viewers. However, for those who can appreciate Vanga’s raw and unflinching filmmaking style, Animal is a powerful and unforgettable cinematic experience.

BONUS: The mastermind has added a surprise at the end for the fans so if you are watching Animal, make sure not to miss out on the Post-Credits scene for a big surprise!!!

Positives:

• Engaging and powerful storyline
• Impressive performance by the star cast and supportive cast
• Sandeep Vanga’s masterful direction
• Powerful dialogue delivery

Negatives:

• Brutal violence, morally ambiguous characters, and some disturbing and uncomfortable scenes
• A long runtime may feel boring at some points

(Pictures are courtesy IMDb)

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