As Animal celebrates its grand release on the big screen, expectations are high for director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his previous ventures like Arjun Reddy and Kabir Singh. However, as the curtains lift and the credits roll, one can’t help but feel a sense of disappointment despite the star-studded cast led by Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, and Rashmika Mandanna.

The movie kicks off with Ranvijay Singh (Ranbir Kapoor), a character driven by the desperate need for validation from his father, Balbir Singh (Anil Kapoor). The storyline introduces us to the high-stakes world of a wealthy industrialist and his son’s relentless pursuit of approval. However, the film takes a dark and extreme turn as Ranbir’s character embraces an animalistic approach to life, a departure from the nuanced storytelling we’ve seen in Vanga’s earlier works.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rashmika Mandanna (@rashmika_mandanna)

One cannot deny the film’s ambitious attempt to package the age-old formula of a rich father-son relationship, danger from enemies, and a revenge saga in a stylish and contemporary manner. The cinematography, backed by a pulsating background score, adds a certain flair to the overall presentation. Yet, the overemphasis on proving masculinity in almost every scene becomes more grating than compelling, reminiscent of the 1990s era.

The screenplay seems to suffer from a lack of depth and originality, with the film heavily relying on Ranbir Kapoor’s performance to salvage the narrative. Ranbir, as always, delivers a commendable performance, showcasing his versatility as an actor. However, one can’t help but wonder if such a talented actor deserves a more nuanced and engaging script.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s decision to address the criticisms faced by Kabir Singh seems to have taken a toll on the film’s overall entertainment factor. The dialogue, at times cringe-worthy, reflects Vanga’s attempt to answer the trolls rather than delivering a captivating cinematic experience.

The runtime of 203 minutes may test the patience of some viewers, especially considering the ‘Adults Only’ certification. However, despite these challenges, Animal is expected to make a splash at the box office, given the popularity of its cast members.

In an industry where a longer runtime and an ‘Adults Only’ certification might be considered deterrents, trade analyst Girish Johar predicts a massive opening for the film. He estimates a potential worldwide gross of Rs 100 crore, with a significant chunk coming from the Hindi market.

In conclusion, Animal falls short of expectations with its excessive focus on toxic masculinity and a somewhat predictable narrative. While Ranbir Kapoor’s stellar performance deserves applause, one can’t help but feel that this wild ride could have been tamed with a more thoughtful script. As the film continues to roar in theaters, audiences may find themselves divided over whether Animal is a cinematic triumph or a missed opportunity.

Also Read: