Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film “Animal” is making waves at the box office, with Ranbir Kapoor’s latest performance crossing the impressive milestone of Rs.5 billion in India and approaching the colossal Rs9 billion mark worldwide. However, the film has not been immune to criticism from both fans and critics.
One of the questions posed to the director of “Kabir Singh,” Sandeep Reddy Vanga, revolved around the decision to portray the antagonist, Abrar (played by Bobby Deol), as a Muslim despite belonging to a Sikh family in the film. In a recent interview with Galatta Plus, Sandeep revealed the reasoning behind this creative choice.
Sandeep clarified that the intention was not to portray the Muslim community negatively but rather to introduce possibilities for potential sequels in the narrative. He explained that he wanted Bobby’s character to undergo a conversion due to personal trauma in his backstory. Sandeep emphasized that the idea was to show a character at a low point who seeks a new identity, and he chose Islam for its potential dramatic impact, not with any intention to depict a Muslim in a negative light.
In “Animal,” Abrar experiences a profound emotional shift following the loss of his father, leading him on a vengeful path against the protagonist, Ranvijay Singh, portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor. The film also explores the unexpected familial connection between the two characters.
Despite its success, “Animal” has faced controversy, particularly regarding a scene depicting marital rape. Bobby Deol defended the scene, stating that it was necessary to showcase the character’s nature and capabilities within a short span. However, Mansi Taxak, the actor portraying Abrar’s third wife, faced backlash for her comments on the controversial scene. In an interview with Zoom Entertainment, Mansi denied any form of assault, attributing Abrar’s actions to his ‘animal instincts’ during that specific sequence.
While acknowledging the shocking nature of the scene, Mansi appreciated the initial aesthetics of the wedding sequence and expressed surprise at the unexpected turn of events. The controversy surrounding “Animal” continues to fuel discussions about its portrayal of sensitive themes and characters.
