Animal REVIEW:Ranbir Kapoor and Bobby Deol rain fire on the big screen in this Sandeep Reddy Vanga directorial

Film:
Animal

Duration: 3 hours 21 minutes

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Triptii Dimri

Director: Sandeep Reddy Vanga

Platform: Theatres

Story of Animal

Animal is a very different story, it is not about any mafia or gang war, but a son’s fight with the world to win his father’s validation that he always sought. Ranvijay Singh (Ranbir Kapoor) is an Alpha male operating based on ‘man being the protector of all’. The film explores the layered yet amazing father-son relationship. In the Sandeep Reddy Vanga directorial, Ranvijay adores his father Balbir Singh (Anil Kapoor), he can die and kill for his ‘superhero’ dad and that’s what he does when someone tries to kill his father. His eyes seeking validation from his father always, Ranvijay emerges as a doting brother, son, husband, and father. Though he has his heart in the right place, his love is so strong, that it almost makes him heartless. Despite resistance from his wife Geetanjali (Rashmika), Ranvijay continues to be a protector to his loved ones along with his tribe of 11 brothers. In this power game, he kills some wrong people, but this vengeance is generations old.

It is a battle within the family, between brothers, that only gets wild as it passes through generations. All this culminates in Abrar (Bobby Deol) and his brothers harboring an age-old grudge. Finally, one of them gets killed, but is it all over for Balbir Singh’s family? Well, that the sequel shall tell.

Animal review

My experience watching Animal was simply amazing. Right from the first scene you know that a powerful story is about to unfold. And it does, kudos to Ranbir Kapoor for the amazing performance he has given in Animal. Not just Ranbir, but Bobby, Anil, and Rashmika are also very good. Triptii is a revelation and a surprise package. Though there are certain objectionable elements in the film, all in all, I would call Animal an epic. It’s a saga beyond the bloodshed, it has a very complicated story, but so brilliantly explained.

There are moments where it gives you Kabir Singh vibes, the climax might make you recall Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham too, but still there is an originality in Animal. The performances only make this film stronger. Anil and Rashmika, pass with distinction, Ranbir is the topper of this Sandeep Reddy Vanga directorial. But I also have a few complaints, though the movie is A-rated, the toxic masculinity was kind of not okay in places. Sandeep has dealt with this red-flag behavior tastefully, but also quite boldly. Bobby deserved more screen time, especially when the film is so very long.

For me, Animal is a blockbuster already, I would not call it Ranbir’s career-best, but surely a very different and his finest performance to date.

Highlights of Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal

1. Ranbir Kapoor

He is hands down the highlight of the movie, right from his first scene he charms you and captures you right till the end. You can sense what the broken child in him feels. His strained relations with his family, the Alpha male trait, that longing to be seen as a hero in his son’s eyes, everything about Ranbir is just right in the movie.

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2. Bobby Deol

Though his screen time is less, Bobby has given some impactful moments in the film. He has no dialogues, but that beastly stance is too hard to ignore. I wanted to see more of Abrar and his swag and savageness in the movie, their clash should have been even bigger.

3. Rashmika Mandanna

As Geetanjali, Rashmika also fits the part very well, her chemistry with Ranbir is very good. But what I also loved was that there was an intimate sense of strength that her character had. As Geetanjali she wasn’t afraid of Vijay being an animal, she knew how to control his impulses. She wasn’t just a docile housewife living at the will of an Alpha male, she was a strong-headed woman feeding on more energy into their lives.

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4. Anil Kapoor

His character is an emotional, yet daunting one. But the way he exhibits the baggage and guilt of ignoring his family, especially his son, nails his performance. The climax scene has to be his best one from the movie.

Drawbacks of Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal

1. Duration of Animal

The only flaw in the movie is its duration, the film is quite long. The second half looks dragged and lacks impact in a few places. Especially, the precedent it sets in an impactful first half gets diluted in the beginning of the second half. But it picks up again, and that scene is very impactful. The end is powerful and the spoiler it leaves you with will leave you waiting.

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Conclusion

Animal is a must-watch and that too on the big screen. For the love of Ranbir Kapoor, nothing else will do, you can watch this film again on the OTT space.

Also Read: Animal box office prediction: Ranbir Kapoor heading for his biggest opener, trade experts opine

Nawaz Kochra

Nawaz Kochra has been an experienced journalist in the entertainment arena for the last 9 years. Worked with the biggest brands in the media fraternity, he now heads the editorial desk at Bollywood Bubble. In addition to that, he even hosts a podcast called, Let’s Talk with Bollywood Bubble. Someone who is calm, yet a firecracker, and holds a balanced opinion about things, Nawaz is strong-headed and determined. He loves films as well as web shows and TV (yes, he is from that generation!), and that’s why writing about them is more of a passion for him than just a job.