While a segment of society and numerous critics lambasted Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film “Animal” for its perceived misogynistic tone and overt violence, the movie found a substantial support base among film celebrities. Prominent among them was acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. However, the veteran director recently disclosed that his endorsement of “Animal” did not sit well with his own daughter, Aaliyah Kashyap, who vehemently criticized his stance.
During an interview with Janice Sequeira, Anurag Kashyap shared that not only his daughter but also close friends had serious reservations about his support for “Animal.” Kashyap, known for his forthrightness, recounted, “My daughter (Aaliyah Kashyap) called me out. She hated ‘Animal’. On my post (picture with Sandeep), my friends called me out. 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? Animal. It’s not called ‘Human.’ Why did the film become difficult? Because everyone’s favorite Ranbir Kapoor played the role. And he did it with all conviction. He decided to play the character instead of being politically correct or diplomatically correct or correct for a certain section of things. He went all out to play a person who is problematic all the way.”
Kashyap defended his position by elaborating on the contradictions he perceives within the industry. “I know so many people in this industry and in this world who you’d think are right when viewed from the outside. But they’re not, they’re posturing. So many of the people who call themselves feminists, 50% of them are posturing. I know so many people who’ve written stories, broken stories, they’re so complicated. I have their messages with me which are so complicated. I’d rather deal with a complicated but honest person.
. Whoever they are, you don’t have to second-guess yourself. People like to attack these kinds of people. I’ve been attacked myself.”
The controversy surrounding “Animal” intensified given that it featured Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor in a dark, unsettling role. The movie, despite facing severe criticism, turned out to be a box-office juggernaut. Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Bobby Deol, “Animal” soared to unprecedented financial heights, amassing over Rs 900 crore globally. The film’s success has even prompted the inception of a sequel, aptly titled “Animal Park.”
The massive success and the polarizing nature of the film have prompted a broader discussion on the portrayal of problematic characters and the inherent responsibilities filmmakers carry. Kashyap’s remarks underscore the broader tensions between artistic freedom and social responsibility within the Indian film industry. His rift with his daughter over his views reflects the generational and ideological divides that can emerge even within progressive circles.
Meanwhile, shifting focus to Kashyap’s professional endeavors, the indomitable filmmaker shows no signs of stepping back. He is set to feature as a villain in Disney+ Hotstar’s series “Bad Cop,” which also stars the talented Gulshan Devaiah. The series, slated to premiere on June 21, adds another dimension to Kashyap’s illustrious career. Not stopping there, he is also preparing for the release of “Kennedy,” a directorial venture featuring Sunny Leone and Rahul Bhat, both of whom have previously collaborated with Kashyap on various projects.
The fervor surrounding “Animal” and Kashyap’s candid comments have sparked significant attention and debate within the film industry and among the public. As films continue to serve as a reflection of society’s complexities and paradoxes, creators like Kashyap remain at the forefront, navigating the tumultuous waters of artistic expression, societal expectations, and personal convictions.
For those invested in contemporary cinematic discourse, the reactions to “Animal” serve as a potent reminder of the power and controversy that films can invoke. As the conversation continues, one thing remains clear: the lines between right and wrong, art and offense, remain ever so blurred, mirroring the complexities of the human condition itself.
In other news, the DNA app has been launched and is available for download on the Google Play Store. Users are encouraged to download the app and share their feedback to enhance user experience and content delivery.
