Animal is a bold portrayal of father-son dynamics
“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it” – Aristotle
Want a quick review? Check out
IC reVIEWS: Animal
Are movies around to educate or entertain? The answer could be both or either. The Bollywood blockbuster Animal, which has grossed over INR ₹900 crore or about U.S. $110 million, has been either deeply disliked or loved by the audience. I’m in the latter camp.
Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga (Arjun Reddy, Kabir Singh), Animal stands out as a daring and unconventional narrative in the Bollywood landscape, highlighted by the compelling father-son dynamic between Anil Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor. Their on-screen chemistry brings a palpable authenticity to the storyline, adding a significant emotional layer to the film.
Ranbir Kapoor delivers a marvellous performance in his role, embodying a character that is deeply flawed yet captivating. His nuanced portrayal adds a fascinating dimension to the film, making his character’s journey a central pillar of the narrative.
No moral judgement
Amidst the endless debates around toxic masculinity and misogyny in cinema, Animal presents an intriguing perspective. Having watched the film after reading numerous articles and critiques on the subject, I found that the film’s approach to these themes is neither groundbreaking nor unusual. This is evident when compared to other productions like Fair Play on Netflix, which also explore complex relationship dynamics.
The role of a film director, as Animal exemplifies, is not to act as a social worker or moral guide. The film reminds us that a work of fiction should be viewed within its context, not as a commentary on societal norms or expectations. Animal stands as a testament to this school of thought, underlining the notion that a piece of art is, ultimately, just that – a work of fiction.
Animal addresses the theme of toxic masculinity without prescribing a moral judgment, allowing viewers to form their own interpretations. This approach highlights Vanga’s ability to craft a narrative that is both thought-provoking and open-ended, inviting discussion rather than providing easy answers.
Cast nails complex intimate relationships
The depiction of female characters in the film, portrayed by Rashmika Mandanna and Tripti Dimri, while not central to the plot, is nuanced and adds some depth to the narrative. They add subtle complexity and an impactful screen presence. This is particularly evident in a scene (spolier alert!) in which a woman slaps her husband, a rare portrayal of female anger in deeply intimate relationships.
The established supporting cast in smaller roles, including Shakti Kapoor, Suresh Oberai, and Bobby Deol, adds charm to the film. Deol in particular leaves a lasting impression in his short yet powerful role, delighting his fanbase.
Art is subjective
The directorial style of Vanga in is a unique blend, reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino’s edginess, David Fincher’s narrative scope, and Wes Anderson’s quirkiness. This stylistic amalgamation, combined with the film’s crafted violence feels more like an artistic expression, although it does borderline on gratuitous brutality at times.
The film’s music, original and catchy, enhances the overall experience, adding another layer to this multifaceted cinematic piece.
The age-old adage that art is subjective finds a compelling affirmation in Animal. This film exemplifies the importance of being open to diverse genres in order to fully embrace and appreciate the viewing experience. Remarkably, Animal traverses multiple genres within a single narrative, an achievement that is not commonly seen in contemporary cinema. This eclectic mix, while potentially disconcerting to some viewers, adds a unique flavor to the film, making it stand out. It challenges viewers to step out of their comfort zones and to engage with the film on multiple levels.
There’s a buzz about potential sequels to Animal, and I must confess, am eagerly looking forward to what comes next. The film is now available to view on Netflix.
