Movie “Animal” is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language action drama film directed and co-written by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Produced by T-Series Films, Bhadrakali Pictures, and Cine1 Studios, the film features a star-studded cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, and Triptii Dimri. The film delves into themes of family conflict, revenge, and redemption.
Plot Summary
The Premise
“Animal” follows the story of Ranvijay “Vijay” Singh, portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor, who is the son of a powerful Delhi-based industrialist, Balbir Singh (Anil Kapoor). Despite a tough and emotionally distant relationship with his father, Vijay’s deep love for him is evident. This strained relationship escalates when Vijay’s aggressive behavior leads to his expulsion to a boarding school in the USA.
Vijay’s Return and Vengeance
Years later, Vijay returns to India after learning about an assassination attempt on his father. He reconciles with his family and starts to investigate who tried to kill Balbir. His quest for revenge leads him to uncover the involvement of his brother-in-law, Varun, and ultimately results in a series of violent confrontations.
Vijay’s journey is marked by intense action sequences and personal struggles, including a heart transplant and an extramarital affair with Zoya (Triptii Dimri), who is later revealed to be part of a plot to trap him. The story also explores Vijay’s discovery of his family’s dark past and his confrontation with Abrar Haque (Bobby Deol), who is deeply entwined in the conflict.
Climax and Resolution
The movie animal climax is a high-stakes showdown between Vijay and Abrar on a Scottish runway. Vijay emerges victorious but suffers significant personal losses, including the realization of his father’s terminal illness. The film concludes with emotional and dramatic resolutions, including Vijay’s reconciliation with his family and the revelation of new threats in a post-credits scene.
Production and Development
Early Development
In September 2019, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his previous success with “Kabir Singh,” began working on “Animal” with a production team including Murad Khetani, Ashwin Varde, Bhushan Kumar, and Kishan Kumar. The film was officially announced in January 2021, with Ranbir Kapoor cast in the lead role. Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, and Rashmika Mandanna joined the cast later.
Filming
Principal photography for “Animal” began in Manali in April 2022, followed by schedules in Mumbai, Pataudi Palace, Delhi, and Punjab. The filming wrapped up in mid-March 2023, with additional shoots in England and Scotland. The film’s action sequences were inspired by Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill,” while Kapoor’s look was influenced by Michael Jackson.
Reception and Impact
Critical Response
Upon its release on December 1, 2023, “Animal” received mixed reviews. Critics praised the film’s cast performances, music, and action sequences, but criticized the writing, themes, and graphic violence. Some reviewers accused the film of glorifying toxic masculinity and misogyny.
Box Office Success
Despite the mixed reviews, “Animal” performed exceptionally well commercially. It grossed ₹917 crore (US$110 million) worldwide, making it the third highest-grossing Indian film of 2023 and the highest-grossing film of Ranbir Kapoor’s career. At the 69th Filmfare Awards, “Animal” won six awards, including Best Actor for Ranbir Kapoor.
Conclusion
Movie Animal stands out as a significant film in Indian cinema for its dramatic storytelling and intense action. It captures the essence of familial conflicts and personal redemption, making a lasting impact both commercially and within the film industry. The film’s exploration of complex themes and its commercial success underscore its place in the cinematic landscape.
To watch this Movie, Click this link