Cinematic Roar: ‘Animal Movie Review’, A Riveting Tale of Love, Betrayal, and Redemption

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Shakti Kapoor, Tripti Dimri, Prem Chopra, and Suresh Oberoi, among others.

Director: Sandeep Reddy Vanga

Music: Harshavardhan Rameshwar

Cinematography: Amit Roy

Producers: Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Murad Khetani, Pranay Reddy Vanga

Release Date: December 1, 2023

Ranbir Kapoor stars as the lead in ‘Animal’, an action thriller directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who also directed ‘Arjun Reddy’. Rashmika Mandanna plays the female lead, and Bobby Deol is cast as the antagonist. The film has created significant buzz in both Bollywood and Telugu cinema, thanks to the intriguing trailer and Sandeep Vanga’s direction. Let’s dive into this review to see if ‘Animal’ lives up to the expectations and impresses the audience or not.

Story

Balbir Singh (Anil Kapoor), one of the wealthiest men in the country and owner of Swastik Steel Factory, has a son, Ran Vijay Singh (Ranbir Kapoor), known for his aggressive temperament but deeply loves his father. Displeased with his son’s behavior, Balbir sends him to boarding school. A conflict further estranges father and son, leading Vijay to move to America. After learning of an assassination attempt on his father eight years later, Vijay returns to India, vowing to find the perpetrators. What happens next? How do Geetanjali (Rashmika) and Ran Vijay Singh fall in love? Who is Abrar (Bobby Deol), and what is his relationship or rivalry with Ran Vijay Singh’s family? The story unfolds these questions.

Performances

Ranbir Kapoor, known for immersing himself in his characters, brings life to Ran Vijay Singh. He convincingly portrays the character through various stages – teenage, young age, and middle age. Rashmika Mandanna justifies her role as Geetanjali. The bond and dialogues between Ranbir and Rashmika as husband and wife are captivating. Tripti Dimri in the role of Zoya adds glamour. Anil Kapoor as Ranbir’s father is remarkable. Bobby Deol as the villain manages to intimidate with just his eyes, and the action scenes between Ranbir and Bobby are engaging.

Direction

Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga proves his mettle once again with ‘Animal’. The scene where the hero, in a rage about his sister being ragged, storms into her college with a gun is an example of Vanga’s signature action style. Though the story lacks novelty, the director’s straightforward narrative approach is commendable. Especially, the fight scenes between Ranbir and Bobby Deol reflect Vanga’s directorial prowess. However, the film’s length feels a bit excessive, with some scenes dragging, leading to occasional boredom for the audience.

Technical Aspects

The background music by Harshavardhan Rameshwar significantly enhances the film. His BGM elevates the heroism effectively. The camera work is top-notch, and the production values are of high standard. The dialogues have Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s trademark style.

Positive Points

• Ranbir Kapoor’s acting
• Action scenes
• Background music

Negative Points

• Length of the film
• Some dragging scenes

Rating: 4/5″