Anurag Kashyap praised Vanga’s audacity and creativity
Anurag Kashyap recently came out in strong support of the film “Animal,” directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Ranbir Kapoor. Amidst widespread criticism regarding the film’s violent and controversial content, Kashyap praised Vanga’s audacity and creativity. He referred to “Animal” as a significant game changer in Hindi cinema, lauding its bold approach and the discussions it has spurred around sensitive topics like misogyny and toxic masculinity.
Kashyap‘s defense extended to the broader issue of creative freedom in filmmaking. He emphasized that no one has the right to dictate what kind of films should be made, underscoring the importance of provocateurs in society to stimulate critical discussions. He pointed out that such films often provoke more significant societal conversations than those considered traditionally feminist or socially responsible.
Anurag said “The action in Animal was very real. Ranbir Kapoor was very good, the music was great, some detailings were very good.” But he went on to say that the film’s “second half was extremely problematic.” “But what I liked most about Animal was that a stubborn filmmaker went ahead and made an adult film of 3 hours and 25 minutes.
He added “He fought and got it released in cinemas. It takes me straight back to Bombay Velvet. It was almost 3 hours long and I couldn’t fight for it, I was on the back foot. I had to cut it and raid it myself. I learnt that being ziddi (stubborn) sometimes as a filmmaker is not a bad thing. If you see the nuances there can be a lot of things, it doesn’t necessarily mean that everything about Animal, I endorse or condone. No. If I have issues I’ll discuss it with the filmmaker,”
Kashyap also noted that criticisms often stem from the audience’s expectations and biases, especially when a popular actor like Ranbir Kapoor is involved. He mentioned that people might have reacted differently if another actor had played the role, highlighting how public perceptions can influence the reception of a film.
“Animal,” released on December 1, 2023, features a star-studded cast including Anil Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Triptii Dimri. Despite the controversies, it has achieved significant commercial success, grossing over Rs 360 crore globally in its opening weekend.
