Starring: Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, Tripthi Dimri, Charu Shankar, Babloo Prithveeraj, Shakti Kapoor
Director: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Producers: Bhushan Kumar, Pranay Reddy Vanga, Krishan Kumar, Murad Khetani
Music Directors: JAM8, Vishal Mishra, Jaani, Manan Bharadwaj, Shreyas Puranik, Harshavardhan Rameshwar, Ashim Kemson
“Animal,” Ranbir Kapoor’s much-anticipated film, has finally hit the theaters, promising an intense gangster action drama. Let’s delve into whether this film lives up to the immense buzz it generated.
Story:
The movie revolves around Ranvijay Singh Balbir (Ranbir Kapoor), a man fiercely devoted to protecting his father, Balbir Singh (Anil Kapoor). Despite Ranvijay’s profound affection for his father, Balbir remains engrossed in his business empire. Ranvijay’s life takes a turn when he falls in love with Geethanjali (Rashmika Mandanna) and begins living with her. However, an unexpected attack on Balbir Singh disrupts their lives, prompting Ranvijay to go to extreme lengths to ensure his father’s safety.
Highlights:
Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal in “Animal” is commendable, embodying the wild and intense protagonist with captivating prowess. His exceptional performance, particularly in the climactic conversational scene, is praiseworthy, capable of winning over even non-Ranbir fans.
The first half of the film is gripping, crafting character arcs, orchestrating action sequences, and delivering impactful moments. The interval sequence, skillfully shot and supported by Harshavardhan Rameshwar’s remarkable background score, stands out as a highlight.
Rashmika Mandanna shines in her role, sharing excellent chemistry with Ranbir. The Telugu dubbing seamlessly integrates with the film, enhancing its authenticity. The impressive songs with well-crafted Telugu lyrics and the supporting performances contribute positively to the movie’s essence.
Drawbacks:
Similar to Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s previous works like “Arjun Reddy” and “Kabir Singh,” “Animal” pushes boundaries with bold and controversial scenes, which might spark discussions and controversies.
Ranbir’s character undergoes significant depth, leading to peculiar behavior in the latter half. While the film delves into the protagonist’s psyche, these tonal shifts may not resonate with everyone, especially the mass audience. Bobby Deol’s character lacks development, impacting the pre-climax face-off. Excessive English usage and predictability could be potential drawbacks.
Technical Aspects:
The film excels in its songs, cinematography, and well-choreographed action sequences. Harshavardhan Rameshwar’s background score significantly elevates impactful scenes. However, the editing could have been tighter, particularly in the latter part of the movie.
Director Sandeep Reddy presents an unconventional action drama with a universally appealing first half but may polarize audiences with the dramatic conflicts in the latter part, particularly between Ranbir and Rashmika. While the storyline isn’t groundbreaking, Ranbir’s character portrayal adds a unique dimension to the film.
Verdict:
“Animal” caters to a specific audience with its intense action drama. While the universally appealing first half impresses, tonal shifts in the latter part might not resonate with everyone. The film’s bold content and excessive violence could provoke controversies. Ranbir Kapoor’s exceptional performance shines, yet Bobby Deol’s character deserves better development. If you have a penchant for unconventional cinema, “Animal” is worth a watch.
