Bollywood actress and BJP Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut, currently engaged in promoting her upcoming film “Emergency,” has taken a firm stand against Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s directorial “Animal.” The film, starring Ranbir Kapoor alongside Rashmika Mandanna, Triptii Dimri, Bobby Deol, and Anil Kapoor, has been a topic of significant controversy. Known for its portrayal of women in a derogatory light, “Animal” has been accused of promoting misogyny, which has garnered sharp criticism from various quarters, including Kangana Ranaut.
In a recent interview, Ranaut did not mince her words while targeting the film and its underlying themes. She expressed her discontent explicitly, saying, “Patriarchal films do well at the box office. I wonder where are all these people coming from. They clap and whistle. If men set out holding axes and engage in a bloodbath, no one is asking about law and order, they take machine guns and go to school, as if there are no police or consequences. They kill people, and pile up bodies, why? Masti (Enjoyment). Drugs karke mas hain (They enjoy doing drugs). Look at the audience that goes to watch such movies. What can I say for such a society? It is a matter of concern. Such films should be discouraged and criticised. The punishment they receive should also be promoted.”
Kangana’s strong voice against such films calls for the need to reassess the kind of content that is being celebrated and consumed by the masses. Her remarks highlight a significant concern over the glamorization of violence, patriarchal attitudes, and substance abuse in cinema. She firmly believes that the influential power of movies should be utilized to propagate positive social messages rather than endorsing detrimental behaviors.
About “Animal”
“Animal” emerged as one of the most commercially successful Bollywood films of 2023, despite its contentious themes.
. The story revolves around a tumultuous father-son relationship, featuring Ranbir Kapoor in the role of Ranvijay Singh. The plot escalates as Ranvijay seeks vengeance following an assassination attempt on his father. The film not only managed to amass over Rs 800 crore at the global box office but also captivated audiences with a post-credits scene that hinted at a forthcoming sequel, tentatively titled “Animal Park.” This sequel is speculated to feature Ranbir Kapoor in a dual role, which has left fans eagerly awaiting further developments.
Ranbir Kapoor’s performance in “Animal” was lauded, and he received the Best Actor Award (Male) at the 69th Filmfare Awards, marking a high point in his acting career. However, the praises for the film’s commercial success couldn’t overshadow the criticisms it faced for its content.
Kangana’s Current Ventures
Meanwhile, Kangana Ranaut is channeling her creative energies into her upcoming directorial venture, “Emergency.” The film is anticipated to be a significant release, with a star-studded cast that includes Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik in pivotal roles. Kangana herself steps into the shoes of the former Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, portraying a critical era in India’s political history – the Emergency period of 1975.
Produced by Zee Studios and Manikarnika Films, “Emergency” is set against one of the most turbulent political times in India and aims to offer a gripping narration of historical events. With Ritesh Shah on board for screenplay and dialogues, and Sanchit Balhara orchestrating the music, the film holds promise for both historical accuracy and cinematic brilliance. Scheduled for release on September 6, 2024, it is poised to draw both national and international audiences to theatres worldwide.
Kangana’s comments during her promotional run for “Emergency” reiterate her stance on responsible filmmaking. She continues to be vocal about issues concerning society, particularly in the context of how women and various social themes are portrayed on the big screen. Her critique of “Animal” underscores a larger narrative, urging the film industry to introspect and steer away from glorifying negative stereotypes and behaviors.
In conclusion, as the debate around “Animal” continues, Kangana’s pointed remarks serve as a reminder that cinema holds powerful sway over its audiences. Filmmakers bear the responsibility of ensuring their narratives do not perpetuate harmful ideologies, but rather foster a more inclusive and thoughtful society. The actress’s own work, “Emergency,” is an example of how films can delve into critical historical moments, providing meaningful and reflective content to viewers.
