Animal (Released on December 1, 2023)
Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor, and Bobby Deol
Director: Sandeep Reddy Vanga (SRV)
I am a sucker for Bollywood movies.
I mostly watch movies at home but saw Animal in the theater because I like Ranbir Kapoor (Rockstar, Wake Up Sid, Barfi, Sanju) and consider him the best male actor in Hindi commercial cinema. I also like Rashmika Mandanna (Geetha Govindam, Dear Comrade, Pushpa) and SRV (Arjun Reddy, Kabir Singh).
It’s not often that a film’s lead pair and director combination is to my liking. Moreover, the trailer was among the best I have seen of a Hindi movie in a long time. It gave a subtle Godfather vibe. Per me, the best film ever made is the combined Godfather I and II. Any movie with a hint of some aspect of Godfather catches my attention.
Ranbir Kapoor’s hero-worshipping and frustration-laden relationship with his father is the story’s core, layered with familial bonds, betrayal, and vengeance. Intense, almost obsessive, mother-son relationships are common in Hindi movies, but not father-son relationships. So, the film treads relatively underexplored territory.
The screenplay effectively blends emotional turmoil, drama, and violent action, albeit with some gruesome shots that may be unsettling for some. The nonlinear narrative might be less impactful for those who prefer straightforward storytelling.
The film’s seamless direction reflects SRV’s dual role as the story and screenplay writer.
SRV also edited the film. As a writer-director, it was probably challenging for him to let go of some of his labor of love. The editing challenge has resulted in three versions of the film. The OTT version on Netflix is 3 hours and 49 minutes, the theater version in India is 3 hours and 21 minutes, and the version I saw in America is 3 hours and 2 minutes.
Developing characters requires more movie time. I would rather have an under-edited film than an over-edited one. For me, the three-hour length of the film is justified. Indeed, I am looking forward to seeing the extended cut on Netflix.
The film’s biggest “flaw” is the perceived drop in intensity during the second half, resulting from the fast-paced, high-octane first half that primes the audience for more. But post-intermission, the movie dwells considerably on family relationships, potentially letting down the primed viewer. Despite this, the film gains momentum toward the climax.
The background score stands out, enhancing the narrative, especially during action sequences, while the numerous songs, though plentiful, contribute to the storytelling without being intrusive.
Ranbir Kapoor delivers a standout performance displaying many emotions, from love and obsession to anger and frustration.
Bobby Deol, never known for his acting chops, is a worthy antagonist in a cameo, both in terms of his character and performance. Sometimes, you find your groove late in life.
Anil Kapoor is as reliable as ever. Rashmika, seen throughout the movie, performs well. Her character is of Telugu background, so her accented Hindi is a nonissue. Animal is a testosterone-fueled, male-dominated film with limited scope for female characters, yet Rashmika’s character has agency.
This film is not a sugar-coated Bollywood experience. It’s not for you if you are intolerant of flawed movie characters. While such characters make for enjoyable viewing on screen, they would be unacceptable in everyday life. Accordingly, Animal can be bothersome for those unable to separate reel and real life.
Overall, Animal is an unfiltered Hindi movie experience, allowing for personal preferences, whether one likes or dislikes it. I liked it.
