Credit: T-series, Bhadrakali Pictures |
Animal: Unleashing a Violent Saga of Love, Rage and Revenge
Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, Tripti Dimri, and more, 'Animal' is the latest offering from the talented Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the director who previously stunned the nation with 'Arjun Reddy' and 'Kabir Singh'. This time, he presents a gripping tale of a father and son's love, drenched in blood. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of emotions, as 'Animal' takes you on a gripping and action-packed journey, where violence knows no bounds.
Shocking run time of "Animal"
With a runtime of 201 minutes, 'Animal' has finally hit the screens, and the anticipation surrounding the film is at an all-time high. The trailer alone has raised expectations to new heights. Now, let's delve into the story and see how it unfolds.
Story of "Animal"
The film revolves around Ranvijay (Ranbir Kapoor), the son of Balbir Singh (Anil Kapoor), a wealthy businessman who is too occupied with his empire to spare time for his family. Ranvijay yearns for his father's affection, a longing that has persisted since his childhood. Due to his unruly behaviour, he is sent to a boarding school, where he meets Geethanjali (Rashmika), his friend's sister. They eventually get married and start a family, spending eight years abroad before returning to India.
Tragedy strikes when Balbir is shot, and it is at this point that Ranvijay takes matters into his own hands. Determined to avenge his father, he sets out on a mission to eliminate those responsible for the attack. What unfolds next is a thrilling journey filled with suspense, action, and unexpected twists. Will Ranvijay finally earn his father's love? Who is behind the attack on Balbir? All these questions will be answered as the story unfolds.
Director Vision for the Film
Writer-director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his bold statements, ideas and intense storytelling, has once again pushed the boundaries with 'Animal'. The director has promised to showcase to the critics what a truly violent film looks like, and it seems he has delivered on that promise.
The film's protagonist firmly believes in the saying "blood is thicker than water," emphasising the importance of family and their unwavering unity. Despite the twisted dynamics within their relationships, the safety and bond of the family remain sacred. The film suggests that even dysfunctional family ties are preferable to broken ones.
The Center character of the Film
The main character in the story exhibits violence in every aspect of his emotions, whether it be in his romantic pursuits, interactions with his family members, or defending his loved ones. Some scenes in the film are unsettling, not necessarily because of the violence itself, but due to the extreme nature of the events portrayed. While many considered 'Arjun Reddy' to be intense, 'Animal' takes it to a whole new level. Sandeep has created chaos on the screen, which some may find more enjoyable than 'Arjun Reddy', while others may find it overwhelming due to the excessive boldness. This film is a true representation of Sandeep Vanga's style and will be a delight for those who resonate with his vision. However, the predictable storyline, slow pace, lengthy duration, and extreme scenes and dialogues may not appeal to everyone.
The protagonist is the son of a prominent businessman, but that doesn't give him the right to do anything he pleases. Yet, in the movie, he defies all logic with his actions. He enters his sister's college with a weapon, fires it to find the culprits who harassed her, and even uses his car to harm those who teased her. When seeking revenge for his father's attempted murder, he kills numerous people with a customised machine gun. These scenes lack realism, which is typically expected in mainstream commercial films. However, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his cult film 'Arjun Reddy', takes a bold and unconventional approach, influenced by his love for 90's commercial movies. Although this may come as a shock.
It is understandable considering his preferences. These scenes are likely to be celebrated in theatres, igniting excitement among the masses. Sandeep Reddy's true talent lies in the characterization of the hero. The film revolves around the hero's deep love for his father, and every action he takes is somehow connected to him. However, Sandeep falls short of portraying the intensity of the father-son bond more convincingly.
Lack of father and son Bond
From the very beginning, it is presented as a story of love between a father and son, but it eventually becomes solely focused on the hero. If we connect with the main character, the 201-minute runtime passes by effortlessly. The protagonist's actions in different situations drive the movie forward. Despite being a typical revenge drama, there are many thrilling moments in this film. There aren't many surprises or twists as we are aware of what is happening and what will happen.
However, it is the hero's character and the way Sandeep Reddy Vanga portrays it that truly stands out. He effectively portrays the transformation of a child deprived of his father's love into a violent man.
The hero expresses his love for his father through violence, which is why he consistently chooses violence and bloodshed. At one point, the hero becomes more terrifying than the villains themselves. His presence overshadows even the brutal introduction scene of the antagonist. This is the unique selling point of the movie, and the first half provides an adrenaline rush. However, the second half focuses more on drama, resulting in a significant slowdown. We have to wait a long time for that adrenaline rush in the second half, which only arrives when the hero decides to confront the villain. Although the antagonist's role could have been longer, the fight scene is intense and emotional. The climax effectively utilises the first scene from the trailer. One might expect the movie to end with the rolling credits, but Sandeep Reddy surprises the audience with a post-credit scene that leaves them on a high note. 'Animal' may not be a perfect film, but it takes you on a wild ride. It will be a delight for some and a nightmare for others, but it certainly stands out for its madness and uniqueness.
Performance of Actors in the Film
As for the performances, it is safe to say that Ranbir Kapoor was the perfect choice for this film.
He has never portrayed such a fierce and impulsive character before, but he effortlessly embodies it from the very beginning. It's no wonder that people like Mahesh and Rajamouli praise him as the best actor. He gives his all, seamlessly transitioning from endearing to angry, and from raging to vulnerable. It's truly remarkable to witness. From start to finish, this film belongs to Ranbir, and he knocks it out of the park with his phenomenal performance. His hard work is evident, and this film will undoubtedly take him to the next level. His ability to completely embody the character he portrays shocks, mesmerises, and captivates you in every frame. He brings that dangerously unpredictable quality to this unhinged character, excelling particularly in the climactic scene reminiscent of Vaastav. Unfortunately, the story does little justice to his talent.
Rashmika Mandanna also shines, showcasing her acting skills convincingly. She looks stunning on screen. Anil Kapoor does an exceptional job, brilliantly portraying anger and worry through his eyes. His subtle changes in expression are a delight to watch. Bobby Deol may not have had much screen time, but he excels as a mute character. His performance is nothing short of terrific, especially in the action-packed runway episode. Actors like Shakti Kapoor, Babloo Prithiveeraj, Tripti Dimri, Upendra Limaye, and others do justice to their roles. The rest of the cast is decent.
Technical aspects of the Film
Moving on to the technical aspects, 'Animal' is a film that boasts great technical quality. The visuals are sharp, and the action sequences are depicted in a brutal yet stylish manner. The movie makes excellent use of close-up shots, highlighting the brilliance of the actors. Amit Roy's cinematography is beautiful and perfectly complements the tone of the film. The songs are already popular and are placed perfectly within the narrative. Each song propels the story forward, and Harshwardhan Rameshwar's haunting background music lingers in your mind. Certain scores will stay with you for a long time. The music elevates the emotion of many scenes. The whistle and 'Papa Meri Jaan' are utilized effectively. The production values are top-notch, and the editing is nearly flawless, although the pace slows down slightly in the second half. Despite its lengthy duration, the movie never becomes boring. Once again, writer-director Sandeep Reddy Vanga delivers a compelling film.
He can compose feelings and depict them on the screen. He can make the crowd experience the hero's fury, love, outrage, and bitterness. His screenplay is great and he works effectively in presenting every one of the characters and their experiences. His particular legend portrayal is the most outstanding angle, and he ably shows the legend's imperfections. The primary portion of the film is loaded with activity and energizing minutes, however, Sandeep Reddy dials back the speed in the final part, which zeros in more on show. A few watchers might see this as frustrating. Sandeep Reddy Vanga never splits the difference and consistently follows his imaginative impulses. This may not be generally welcomed by everybody, except it is what he conveys.
Verdict Of The Film
In general, Creature is an extraordinary activity show that requests to a segment of the crowd. The primary half has an all-around engaging substance, however, the apparent changes in the last part probably won't be preferred by all. The intense substance and exorbitant savagery could create a scene among a couple. Ranbir Kapoor gave an honour commendable execution, and he is the essence of Creature. The specialized perspectives are strong in Creature, however, Bobby Deol's portrayal might have been composed better. On the off chance that you like movies that are flighty and high on valour, you can watch Creature.