Ranbir Kapoor, a Bollywood heartthrob known for his charming roles, is venturing into uncharted territory with his latest film, "Animal." Described as an adult-rated version of the classic family drama "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham," this intense and gritty film promises to showcase a side of Kapoor that audiences have never seen before.
Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the man behind the controversial yet successful films "Kabir Singh" and "Arjun Reddy," "Animal" delves into the complex dynamics of a father-son relationship set against a backdrop of violence and turmoil. Kapoor plays Arjun Singh, a troubled young man grappling with his father's approval and the weight of his own inner turmoil.
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In a recent interview, Kapoor described the film as an "adult-rated 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham'," highlighting its mature themes and exploration of darker emotions. He further elaborated, "If I had to describe this story in a line, then it's about a man who goes to any length to protect his family. That's what the core of the film is."
Kapoor's portrayal of Arjun Singh is a far cry from his usual lighthearted roles. He embraces the character's darker side, showcasing the intensity and vulnerability that lie beneath the surface. This transformation is a testament to his versatility as an actor and his willingness to push boundaries.
The film's trailer, released recently, provides a glimpse into the hyper-masculine and violent world of "Animal." Arjun, armed with a machine gun, is seen desperately seeking his father's approval, while violence and chaos reign supreme.
Speaking about the film's depiction of violence, Kapoor shared, "Violence is not really about action, but more about the human mind. That you hit someone and blood comes out, you'll get bored after 10 seconds. Violence is about the mind, what it thinks, what the human mind is capable of? What is right or wrong, where society is concerned? Is Bobby sir the antagonist or I am the antagonist? Who is right, who is wrong? These are questions as a society, audience, we will start asking after this film."
Kapoor's co-star, Rashmika Mandanna, who plays Arjun's wife Geetanjali, praised his professionalism and on-screen chemistry. She revealed, "He makes it easier for his co-stars than himself. The first question he asked me was 'Do you want to rehearse before the scene or should we roll?' That was a question I was never asked before... I didn't think I was good enough to star opposite him. When you rehearse with your co-actor, the performance comes out beautifully, the chemistry builds, the conversations get better."
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who faced criticism for his previous film "Kabir Singh" for allegedly glorifying toxic masculinity, defended his approach to storytelling. He stated, "I didn't change anything. Preeti (Kiara Advani) was a very important character in 'Kabir Singh' and Geetanjali is more important than that in Animal. (All that debate) it made no difference to me."
With its intense plot, captivating performances, and thought-provoking themes, "Animal" promises to be a gripping cinematic experience that will leave a lasting impression on audiences. As Ranbir Kapoor delves into the depths of human emotion and the complexities of family relationships, he redefines his on-screen persona, solidifying his position as a versatile and talented actor.
