Allu Arjun calls Ranbir Kapoor’s performance in Animal ‘phenomenal’; states, “That’s one movie I really liked”

Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal was one of the most successful yet controversial films of 2023. Released in December, the film, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, garnered both praise and criticism. While some viewers admired it, others criticised it for its perceived toxic and misogynistic themes. Over a year after its release, Allu Arjun has now shared his appreciation for the film.

Allu Arjun reveals loving Ranbir Kapoor’s performance in Animal

In a recent interview, Allu Arjun praised Ranbir Kapoor’s performance in Animal, calling it ‘phenomenal’. The Pushpa star expressed his admiration for the movie, saying, “There’s no film that I would say I’d like to have done. But there are films that I really like. Performances… I loved Animal. Phenomenal performance. That’s one movie I really liked. There are some nice Telugu films that have come out,” he told Hollywood Reporter India.

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Interestingly, Animal also featured Rashmika Mandanna, who starred alongside Allu Arjun in Pushpa. The film revolves around the complex and toxic relationship between a man and his father. It centres on Vijay (played by Ranbir Kapoor), an anti-hero who goes to extreme lengths, including killing 200 people with a machine gun, to protect his father. However, despite his efforts, Vijay struggles to earn the approval of his emotionally distant father, portrayed by Anil Kapoor.

Rashmika Mandanna on controversy about the film

Rashmika Mandanna also addressed the controversy surrounding the film. In April 2024, she responded to critics who labelled Animal as ‘misogynistic’. She explained, “He’s messed in the head and will go to any lengths for his father, that was engraved in my mind when I shot for the film. Nobody can do anything about it, it’s his story. If you want films to be raw, real and correct, Animal is that. After watching it, to say it’s misogynistic or whatever… if you enjoyed it, just leave it.”

Meanwhile, a sequel to the film, titled Animal Park, is already in the works. The team is currently focused on the script, with Ranbir Kapoor expected to begin filming in 2027.

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