Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s movie, “Animal,” has stirred considerable debate among moviegoers since its release. Starring the popular Ranbir Kapoor, the film has faced substantial criticism for its portrayal of violent gore, toxic masculinity, and misogyny. These criticisms, however, did not deter filmmaker Anurag Kashyap from supporting both the movie and its director. Nevertheless, not all of Kashyap’s inner circle agrees with his stance, including his daughter, Aaliyah Kashyap, who has openly expressed her opposition.
In a recent interview with YouTuber Janice Sequeira, Anurag Kashyap shared a candid story about how his daughter “called him out” for praising the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer “Animal.” Kashyap did not shy away from recounting the incident, saying, “My daughter called me out. She hated ‘Animal’.” This familial critique was not the only feedback Kashyap received; even his friends questioned his decision to support the controversial film.
Kashyap also recalled sharing a photo on Instagram with Sandeep Reddy Vanga, which drew additional flak. His friends bombarded him with numerous questions upon seeing the post. Kashyap retorted by focusing attention on the film’s title, drawing emphasis on its inherent themes. “They all came home and asked me 10,000 questions. And I was like, tum baki sab toh chhod do, picture ka naam kya hai? (Leave everything else; what is the name of the film?) Animal. It’s not called ‘Human.’ Why did the film become difficult? Because everyone’s favorite Ranbir Kapoor played the role,” he shared in a reflective tone.
Despite the polarized views and the controversy surrounding “Animal,” Kashyap has remained steadfast in his support for both the film and its director, Sandeep Reddy Vanga. This is not the first time Kashyap has spoken favorably about Vanga. In an earlier conversation with Zoom TV, he expressed his admiration for Vanga’s honesty. “I like the guy (Sandeep). I have no problem with him. Unlike a lot of people in the industry who pretend to be someone they are not, he is honest. The former kind, I think, is even more toxic. But Vanga is an honest man.
. I don’t like anything more than honesty, no matter what others’ issues with honesty are. I love talking to him,” Kashyap stated.
Drawing parallels with his own experiences, Kashyap recalled how he was “cancelled” after the release of his film “Dev D” in 2009. “I met him (Sandeep) and I liked him. I like the guy. I’ve had questions of my own and I wanted to talk to him about his film (Animal), so I invited him, and we had a long five-hour conversation. I like the guy… I always believe in talking to people. I was cancelled after ‘Dev D’ by a lot of people for making a ‘misogynistic’ film… I have often seen people isolating someone, attacking someone, and that is not the way to be,” he elaborated.
“Animal” continues to be a significant talking point, further fueled by strong reviews and fervent debates among cinema enthusiasts. While Kashyap’s public endorsement of Vanga and the movie has invited scrutiny, it also underscores his commitment to upholding artistic honesty and integrity, in a world that he believes is quick to judge and isolate.
Anurag Kashyap’s defense of “Animal” is not merely a matter of professional courtesy but also a reflection of his broader philosophy about filmmaking and personal integrity. He emphasizes the importance of open dialogues and standing by one’s convictions, even when they attract criticism from close quarters. Kashyap’s unwavering support for Vanga and “Animal” serves as a testament to his belief in confronting controversial subjects head-on, rather than shying away from them.
While opinions on “Animal” remain divided, this incident highlights the complex interplay of personal relationships, professional opinions, and public discourse in the world of cinema. Kashyap’s relationship with his daughter Aaliyah and their differing views on the film serves as a microcosm of the larger debates that the movie has ignited, shedding light on how art can provoke diverse emotional and intellectual responses even within close-knit circles.
As the conversations around “Animal” continue to unfold, one thing is clear: films like these, regardless of the polarizing views they generate, push the boundaries of narrative and compel audiences to reflect deeply on the themes they present. Through his staunch support for “Animal,” Anurag Kashyap reminds us that cinema, at its best, is a medium that challenges, confronts, and, most importantly, evokes critical thought and dialogue.
