Animal has become the talk of the town, stirring excitement and anticipation among movie enthusiasts nationwide. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, renowned for his work on hits like "Kabir Singh" and "Arjun Reddy," the film stars Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role, alongside the nation's crush, Rashmika Mandanna. The mere association of such formidable talent has naturally heightened expectations.
The film's intense and impactful teaser and trailer, coupled with its powerful soundtrack, have already left a lasting impression on viewers. As the release date, December 1, 2023, draws near, the curiosity and enthusiasm surrounding Animal have reached unprecedented levels. The stage is set for this cinematic spectacle to unfold on the big screen, promising an enthralling experience for movie lovers. Let's eagerly await the unveiling of Animal and witness how it captivates audiences with its unique narrative and stellar performances.
Animal unfolds as a compelling narrative centered around a young protagonist navigating the intricacies of his relationships with both his father and his beloved. The storyline gracefully weaves through the peaks and valleys, exploring the highs and lows that accompany the testing times faced by these characters. As they journey through the various nuances of life, Animal promises to deliver a poignant exploration of the complexities within familial bonds and romantic connections, inviting the audience to experience the emotional crests and troughs that shape the characters' destinies.
Vijay Singh, (Ranbir Kapoor), grapples with a strained bond with his father, Balbir Singh, (Anil Kapoor), who chairs the Swastik Group of Companies. His life takes a twist when he finds himself drawn to Geetanjali( Rashmika Mandanna), adding further complexity to his familial ties. The unfolding story delves into the intricate dynamics within the Singh family, exploring the consequences of Vijay's newfound connection with Geetanjali. As the narrative progresses, the link between Vijay, Geetanjali, and Abrar (Bobby Deol), unveils itself, shaping the intriguing course of events.
Ranbir Kapoor delivers an enthralling performance in the film, defying his known soft roles to astonish audiences with power and impact. His expressive variations and emotional depth, coupled with an irresistible screen presence and compelling language, leave fans and the masses in awe.
Executing breathtaking stunts and action sequences, Ranbir provides a cinematic feast for enthusiasts. His dialogue delivery exudes the necessary vigour and valor, enhancing the overall experience.
In the female lead, Rashmika Mandanna, despite limited screen time, adeptly handles intimate and bold scenes as required. However, her appearance may leave some disappointed.
Anil Kapoor, portraying the father, delivers a decent performance, carrying himself with poise on screen. Bobby Deol commands a macho and ferocious presence, making a lasting impression. The rest of the cast performs admirably, seamlessly fitting into their respective roles.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal weaves a poignant tale of father-son dynamics, exploring the evolution of their relationship over time. With a focus on amplifying Ranbir Kapoor's heroism, Sandeep successfully transforms his mass image.
The narrative begins by delving into the intricate father-son bond, maintaining a unidimensional screenplay and satisfactory direction. The first half shines a light on the protagonist's relationship with his father, seamlessly transitioning into the budding romance between the lead pair. The interval block leaves a lasting impact on viewers.
While the second half offers a mass feast, it takes an emotional turn as Sandeep's narration slows down, testing the patience of movie lovers. The film concludes on an emotional note, featuring romantic, bold, and violent dialogues. The chunav (climax) is emotionally charged and highly intriguing.
Romantic songs, beautifully shot, complement the narrative, while the intense and thumping background music elevates scenes to the next level. The cinematography syncs seamlessly with the storyline, and the grand production values add to the film's allure.
In its entirety, Animal proves to be an intense and forceful mass entertainer, with Sandeep Reddy Vanga seamlessly picking up from where he left off with Arjun Reddy and Kabir Singh. True to his word, Sandeep has elevated Animal to a new level of violence.
Reflecting on the past criticism during Arjun Reddy, where Sandeep faced backlash for perceived misogynistic representation and male chauvinism, a few defended him for emphasizing emotions.
From the opening scene to the final frame, Sandeep emphasizes violence, romance, and explicit dialogues. The majority of the violence appears mindless and extreme, with the cast delivering their lines at an intense volume. The storyline follows a familiar path, and rather than focusing on a nuanced screenplay, Sandeep opts for a crowd-pleasing approach, heightening extreme violence and misogynistic elements.
However, the portrayal of Ranbir in an intense and mass role by Sandeep manages to excite both fans and movie lovers. Taking into account these varied elements, Cinejosh assigns a 3.25 Rating to Animal.