In Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s latest venture, “Animal,” Ranbir Kapoor takes center stage in a narrative that explores the complexities of masculinity. The film had the potential to carve a fresh, psychology-driven path for Hindi action movies, but director Vanga’s apparent focus on franchise potential overshadows the opportunity to tell a controlled and coherent story.
The story follows Ranvijay (Ranbir Kapoor), a wealthy Delhi brat with deep-seated issues stemming from his stern and emotionally distant father, industrialist Balbir Singh (Anil Kapoor). As Ranvijay’s life unfolds, the film delves into themes of territorialism, revenge, and twisted notions of love.
Despite Ranbir Kapoor’s riveting performance, the film faces criticism for its self-aggrandizing approach to filmmaking and apparent glorification of toxic masculinity. Vanga’s attempt to depict a provocative expansion of cinematic landscapes leads to a narrative filled with steadily escalating provocations.
While the film briefly succeeds in exploring the male psyche, it loses its edge when transitioning into action sequences. Bobby Deol’s role introduces much-needed ferality, but the overall design of action scenes lacks the impact seen in works by directors like Tarantino or Karthik Subbaraj.
“Animal” had the opportunity to set a new standard for Hindi action movies, particularly at a time when Southern productions frequently outshine their Northern counterparts. However, the film’s three-hour-plus runtime feels both bloated and thin, and Vanga’s circular editing style occasionally stalls the narrative.
Ranbir Kapoor’s performance, blending the swagger of “Sanju,” the cockiness of “Bombay Velvet,” and the angst of “Rockstar,” stands out. Anil Kapoor’s emotional heavy-lifting and notable performances from supporting actors like Shakti Kapoor and Babloo Prithiveeraj add depth to the ensemble.
In conclusion, “Animal” falls short of delivering the raw, lacerating violence promised by Vanga and instead leans towards franchise potential over a compelling storyline. Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal captivates, but the film, despite its moments, fails to reach its full potential.
