Animal movie review: In the world of Sandeep Reddy Vanga, where heads are animals and protagonists are thick-headed monsters of privilege, “Animal” emerges as his second Hindi feature, following the controversial success of “Arjun Reddy” and “Kabir Singh.” Ranbir Kapoor takes center stage as Ranvijay, a rich Delhi brat whose life spirals into a tapestry of familial complexities, love, and unbridled revenge.
The Genesis of a Beast: Ranvijay’s Upbringing
Ranvijay’s narrative begins with his idolization of his stern and emotionally distant father, Balbir Singh (Anil Kapoor). Balbir’s emotional unavailability leaves a lasting impact on Ranvijay, shaping his circuitry and behaviors. From childhood thefts to territorial disputes in adulthood, Ranvijay’s journey unfolds against a backdrop of privilege, entitlement, and deep-seated daddy issues.
Love, Bliss, and Broken Circuits: Ranvijay and Geetanjali’s Saga
Emigrating to the US with childhood crush turned wife, Geetanjali (Rashmika Mandanna), Ranvijay experiences the highs of marital bliss, which Vanga, in his signature style, skips over with impatience. As the story unfolds, Balbir’s life takes a tragic turn, setting the stage for Ranvijay’s transformation into a bearded brute on a quest for revenge.
From “Kabir Singh” to “Animal”: Vanga’s Cinematic Landscape
Building on the controversial success of “Kabir Singh,” Vanga introduces Ranvijay as a murderer with a hand blade, provocatively expanding the cinematic landscape with steadily escalating critic-baiting provocations. The film‘s thematic territory delves into the toxic masculinity of “alphas” versus perceived poetry-writing wimps, showcasing Vanga’s unapologetic approach to storytelling.
Chauvinism Unleashed: Ranvijay’s Territorialism
In a departure from films like “The Godfather,” Vanga doesn’t merely investigate chauvinism; it seems ingrained in his approach to plot, character, and dialogue. Ranvijay’s territorialism extends to all female family members, and Geetanjali’s breaking point isn’t violence but Ranvijay leaving the marital bed, emphasizing Vanga’s unconventional exploration of the male psyche.
Lost Edges in Action: Animal Movie Review
As “Animal” transitions into an action film, Vanga’s storytelling loses its edge. The film’s action sequences lack the punch and pizzazz of iconic directors like Tarantino or Karthik Subbaraj. While Ranbir Kapoor’s performance weaves a career mixtape, Anil Kapoor shoulders emotional heavy-lifting with regretful eyes. Bobby Deol injects much-needed ferocity, yet the film struggles with its bloated and thin aspects.
Untapped Potential: A Missed Opportunity for Hindi Action Movies
“Animal” had the potential to carve a fresh, psychology-driven path for Hindi action movies, challenging and surpassing superior products from the South. However, Vanga’s focus on franchise potential over a controlled, coherent story leaves the promised raw, lacerating violence unfulfilled.
Conclusion: Animal’s Roar Falls Short of Expectations
In the realm of Vanga’s cinematic universe, “Animal” roars with potential but falls short of expectations. Despite glimpses of captivating performances and a tantalizing premise, the film succumbs to the pitfalls of franchise temptation and lacks the raw violence it promised. As Ranvijay shuts out dissenting voices, “Animal” leaves audiences pondering the balance between confidence and the unexplored depths of its untapped narrative potential.
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