Directors Ram Gopal Varma and Sandeep Reddy Vanga are known to praise each other’s work, but RGV recently shared some very honest criticism of the 2023 blockbuster Animal. During a joint interview, Varma explained exactly why he didn’t connect with certain parts of the hugely successful film, even as Vanga listened.
Despite Animal earning over Rs 500 crore at the domestic box office, it received heavy criticism for being sexist and promoting toxic masculinity. RGV’s issues, however, were more focused on the film’s central plot and character motivations.
“I Don’t Like The Father-Son Relationship”
Ram Gopal Varma’s main complaint was about the core relationship between the father, Balbir Singh (played by Anil Kapoor), and the son, Rannvijay Singh (played by Ranbir Kapoor). RGV bluntly told Vanga, “I don’t like the father-son relationship. I told that to Sandeep too.”
He explained further, “I was fed up with Anil Kapoor. I lost my impression of the hero for sucking up to him.” Varma acknowledged that his view differs from the millions of people who loved the film, but he stood by his opinion that the hero’s intense need for validation from his father didn’t work for him.
Criticism Of The Shoe-Licking Scene
During the conversation, Sandeep Reddy Vanga reminded RGV that he also had issues with another controversial part of the film. This was the scene where Ranbir Kapoor’s character asks Zoya, played by Triptii Dimri, to lick his shoe to prove her loyalty.
Varma agreed, calling the scene “inconsistent” with the character’s journey. This particular scene faced massive backlash when the film released and was even criticized by veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar, leading to a public debate between Akhtar and Vanga.
Praise For The Film’s Action And Style
Despite his strong criticisms, RGV reiterated his admiration for Vanga’s filmmaking style. He specifically mentioned the famous scene where Ranbir Kapoor uses a machine gun at the school, claiming it was the only time in his life he stood up and clapped while watching a movie in a theater.
Varma praised Vanga’s ability to create larger-than-life characters and moments without relying heavily on visual effects. He even hailed Vanga as potentially being a better filmmaker than Baahubali director SS Rajamouli.
About Animal
Animal is a 2023 action-drama film directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Bobby Deol. The plot revolves around Rannvijay Singh, who develops an obsessive need for his father’s validation, leading him down a path of extreme violence and revenge.
(Also read: Aryan Khan Achieves The Impossible: Brings Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, And Aamir Khan Together For His Directorial Debut In Bads Of Bollywood )
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