Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor starred in Animal, directed by Arjun Reddy fame Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The film featured Rashmika Mandanna as the lead actress, along with Anil Kapoor, Tripti Dimri, Bobby Deol, and Shakti Kapoor in significant roles. Released on December 1 last year, Animal emerged as a blockbuster, creating a box office storm. However, it also attracted criticism, particularly for its violent content and alleged portrayal of women in a negative light. For the first time, Ranbir Kapoor has addressed these criticisms, and his comments have now gone viral online.
“It’s My Responsibility”
Speaking at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, Ranbir Kapoor opened up about the criticism surrounding Animal. He stated that he completely agrees with the opinions expressed by critics. Ranbir emphasized that it’s their responsibility to bring films that resonate with the audience while also encouraging innovation in cinema. He remarked that for actors, taking on diverse roles is crucial for a successful career. Fans of the film have welcomed his comments, interpreting them as a strong counter to the film’s critics.
Did He Say the Right Thing?
While some appreciated Ranbir’s stance, others were not entirely pleased. A section of netizens felt that agreeing with critics could be seen as supporting their negative opinions. They argued that Ranbir could have directly defended the film and emphasized that cinema should be viewed as an art form. Some fans even expressed disappointment that he didn’t use the opportunity to praise director Sandeep Reddy Vanga for delivering such a massive hit. Instead, they felt his remarks came across as non-committal.
An Eight-Day Film Extravaganza
The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is currently being held in Panaji, Goa. The festival, which began on November 20, will continue until November 28. During his speech, Ranbir Kapoor announced a special initiative to celebrate Bollywood legends. He revealed plans to host a film festival from December 13 to 15, showcasing the works of Raj Kapoor across the country. He stressed the importance of ensuring the current generation does not forget the legacy of such great artists.
Both Staying Busy
Following the success of Animal, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga is now gearing up for his next project, Spirit, starring Prabhas. The film is currently in pre-production, with a pooja ceremony scheduled for December. Regular shooting is expected to begin in January. Meanwhile, Ranbir Kapoor has signed on for the ambitious Ramayana project, where he will play Lord Rama. The film also stars Sai Pallavi as Sita and is directed by Bollywood’s Nitesh Tiwari. The project will be released in two parts, with the first installment slated for Diwali 2025.
