Animal (2023): A Brutal Saga of Fatherhood, Violence, and Identity
Animal is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language action thriller directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Released on December 1, the film immediately sparked widespread debate for its intense action, emotional depth, and controversial themes. With a runtime of over three hours (201 minutes), it is an ambitious and sprawling tale that dives deep into familial trauma, toxic masculinity, and personal transformation.
The story centers around Ranvijay “Vijay” Singh, played by Ranbir Kapoor, a complex man struggling with unresolved issues stemming from a lack of affection from his domineering father, Balbir Singh (Anil Kapoor). The film charts Vijay’s evolution from a vulnerable child into a hardened, violent man—transformed both emotionally and physically. His journey is punctuated by a brutal assassination attempt on his father, which pushes him into a spiral of revenge and self-destruction.
Rashmika Mandanna plays Vijay’s devoted wife Gitanjali, while Triptii Dimri and Bobby Deol play pivotal supporting roles. Deol, in particular, leaves a strong impression as Abrar, a mysterious and violent antagonist. The cast also includes Saurabh Sachdeva and other character actors who add layers of depth to the film's intense narrative.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s direction is unapologetically stylized. The film is soaked in slow-motion sequences, graphic violence, and emotionally charged confrontations. Influences from Korean noir and Western revenge thrillers are evident, and the film walks a fine line between aesthetic brutality and psychological introspection.
Thematically, Animal grapples with love, loyalty, masculinity, and intergenerational conflict. Its portrayal of a fractured father-son bond is central to the film, with much of Vijay’s psychological unraveling tied to his father’s coldness. Vanga presents these themes through a hyper-masculine lens that has drawn both praise and criticism. Many see the film as an exploration of trauma, while others argue it romanticizes aggression and reinforces patriarchal ideals.
Critics were sharply divided. Some praised Ranbir Kapoor’s transformative performance, the film’s visual flair, and its raw emotional tone. Others criticized its excessive length, glorification of violence, and problematic gender dynamics. While some labeled it a bold character study, others dismissed it as overindulgent and morally shallow.
Despite the mixed critical response, the film was a commercial juggernaut. It became the highest-grossing adult-rated Hindi film of all time and the biggest box office success of Ranbir Kapoor’s career. Its theatrical run was followed by a successful digital release on Netflix, further expanding its global reach and reigniting debates around its content and themes.
Animal is not a film for the faint of heart. It’s aggressive, emotionally raw, and stylistically extreme. It captures the audience with its intensity and leaves them either exhilarated or deeply unsettled. Whether seen as a flawed masterpiece or a problematic spectacle, Animal stands as one of the most talked-about Indian films of 2023—provocative, polarizing, and undeniably impactful.
