Animal is a movie that tries to be many things at once: a family drama, a crime thriller, a revenge saga, and a commentary on toxic masculinity. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who previously made the controversial Kabir Singh (2019), Animal stars Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, and Triptii Dimri in the lead roles. The movie revolves around the complex relationship between a business tycoon Balbir Singh (Anil Kapoor) and his son Ranvijay (Ranbir Kapoor), who is obsessed with his father’s approval and admiration. When Balbir is attacked by unknown assailants, Ranvijay returns to India with his wife Gitanjali (Rashmika Mandanna) and his kids to be with his family, and starts a war with the people who tried to kill his father. Along the way, he crosses paths with Abrar ul Haque (Bobby Deol), a ruthless gangster who has a personal vendetta against Balbir, and Zoya (Triptii Dimri), a journalist who is investigating the crime syndicate behind the attack.
Animal is a movie that does not shy away from showing violence, both physical and emotional. The characters are flawed, complex, and often unlikable. Ranvijay is a violent man who does not hesitate to hurt or kill anyone who comes in his way. He is also possessive and controlling of his wife, who is shown to be submissive and loyal to him. Balbir is a cold and distant father who neglects his family and prioritizes his work. He is also a corrupt and ruthless businessman who has made many enemies over the years. Abrar is a sadistic and vengeful man who enjoys torturing and killing his rivals. He is also a religious fanatic who believes that he is doing God’s work. Zoya is a brave and honest journalist who tries to expose the truth.
The action sequences are well-choreographed and executed, with some brutal and realistic fights and shootouts. The background score by Amaal Mallik is loud and pulsating, adding to the adrenaline rush of the movie. The songs, however, are forgettable and unnecessary, and only serve to disrupt the pace and mood of the movie.
Animal is a movie that has a lot of potential, but also a lot of problems. The movie tries to explore the themes of father-son relationship, toxic masculinity, violence, and redemption, but does so in a superficial and inconsistent manner. The movie does not delve deep into the psychology or motivation of the characters, and instead relies on clichés and stereotypes. The movie also suffers from a lack of coherence and logic, with many plot holes and loose ends. The movie is too long, too loud, and too indulgent, and does not have a satisfying conclusion.
The movie also has a problematic portrayal of women and their role in the story. The female characters are either passive, submissive, or victimized, and have no agency or voice of their own. They are either used as props, trophies, or plot devices, and are subjected to violence, abuse, and humiliation. The movie does not challenge or critique the patriarchal and misogynistic worldview of the male characters, and instead glorifies and justifies their actions. The movie also has some disturbing scenes of sexual violence and harassment, which are shown without any sensitivity or context.
Animal is a movie that is not for the faint-hearted or the easily offended. It is a movie that is violent, graphic, and controversial, and may appeal to a certain section of the audience who enjoy such cinema. It is a movie that showcases the talent and charisma of Ranbir Kapoor, who delivers a power-packed performance as the titular animal. It is a movie that has some technical and artistic merits, but also has many flaws and shortcomings. It is a movie that is ambitious and audacious, but also flawed and frustrating. It is a movie that is animalistic, but not humanistic.
My ratings:
Overall rating: 2.5/5 stars
Plot: 1.5/5 stars - The plot is weak, illogical, and full of clichés and stereotypes. The movie does not explore the themes or the characters in a meaningful or consistent way. The movie is too long and too indulgent, and does not have a satisfying conclusion.
Performance: 4/5 stars - The performance is the best part of the movie. The actors deliver powerful and convincing performances, especially Ranbir Kapoor and Anil Kapoor, who share a great chemistry on screen. Bobby Deol is also impressive as the main antagonist. The female actors are also good, but they have less scope and screen time than the male actors.
Music: 2/5 stars - The music is loud and pulsating, but also forgettable and unnecessary. The songs do not add anything to the story or the mood of the movie, and only serve to disrupt the pace and flow of the movie. The background score is better, but also repetitive and overbearing.
Cinematography: 3.5/5 stars - The cinematography is stunning and visually appealing. The movie captures the contrast between the lavish and glamorous lifestyle of the rich and the grimy and chaotic streets of Delhi. The action sequences are well-choreographed and executed, with some brutal and realistic fights and shootouts. The movie has some technical and artistic merits, but they are overshadowed by the flaws and shortcomings of the movie.