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
Ranbir Kapoor’s “Animal” generated immense anticipation with its trailers and promotional materials. The film has finally hit theaters today, promising a gangster action drama. Let’s see if this much-anticipated movie lives up to its hype.
Story:
“Animal” revolves around Ranvijay Singh Balbir (Ranbir Kapoor), who fiercely protects his father, Balbir Singh (Anil Kapoor). Ranvijay adores his father immensely, but his father’s attention remains absorbed in his business empire. Ranvijay falls in love with Geethanjali (Rashmika Mandanna) and begins living with her. However, an unexpected attack on Balbir Singh changes everything. The story unfolds as Ranvijay goes to extreme lengths to safeguard his father.
Positives:
Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal in “Animal” is nothing short of brilliant. His performance as the wild and intense protagonist is captivating, earning him high praise. Even if you’re not a Ranbir fan, his extraordinary delivery, especially in the climactic conversational scene, will win you over.
The first half of the film is engaging, effectively building character arcs, staging action sequences, and delivering high moments. The interval sequence, shot superbly and supported by a terrific background score by Harshavardhan Rameshwar, stands out as a peak moment.
Rashmika Mandanna shines in her role, sharing excellent chemistry with Ranbir. The Telugu dubbing is exceptional, seamlessly integrating with the film. The songs are impressive, with well-written Telugu lyrics. Performances by Anil Kapoor, Tripthi Dimri, Suresh Oberoi, Siddharth Karnick, and others contribute positively to the movie.
Negatives:
Similar to Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s previous works like “Arjun Reddy” and “Kabir Singh,” “Animal” also features bold and controversial scenes, pushing the boundaries further. These scenes may spark discussion and controversy.
Ranbir’s character undergoes significant depth, resulting in peculiar behavior in the second half. While the film justifies its title by exploring the protagonist’s psyche, these tonal shifts might not resonate with everyone, especially the mass audience. Additionally, Bobby Deol’s character lacks development, affecting the impact of the pre-climax face-off. The excessive use of English and predictability could be potential drawbacks.
Technical Aspects:
The film excels in its songs, cinematography, and well-curated action sequences. Harshavardhan Rameshwar’s background score significantly enhances impactful scenes. However, the editing could have been tighter, especially in the latter part of the movie.
Director Sandeep Reddy presents an unconventional action drama, where the first half appeals universally, but the dramatic conflicts in the second half, particularly between Ranbir and Rashmika, might not cater to everyone’s tastes. While the storyline isn’t groundbreaking, Ranbir’s character portrayal adds uniqueness to the film.
Verdict:
“Animal” is an intense action drama that caters to a specific audience. While the universally appealing first half is strong, tonal shifts in the latter part may not resonate with all viewers. The film’s bold content and excessive violence could stir controversy. Ranbir Kapoor’s remarkable performance stands out, but Bobby Deol’s character deserved better development. If you appreciate unconventional cinema, “Animal” is worth a watch.