Animal (2023): A Tale of Misogyny and Mayhem

 Two days ago, I received a phone call from a friend. With an enthusiastic voice, he declared, "Dai (meaning elder brother in Nepali), the movie is great and it's 10 on 10, we will look after the kids, you two (me and my wife) should watch this movie". He had just come out of a theater after watching Animal, a recent Bollywood release, which has taken the box office by storm, leaving a trail of mixed emotions in its wake. While some hail it as a blockbuster entertainer, others criticize its misogynistic portrayal of women and its glorification of violence. Caught in this crossfire of opinions, I ventured into the world of Animal, eager to decipher its enigma.

My initial skepticism turned into a chuckle as I pondered the stark contrast between my friend's glowing recommendation and my own critical assessment. The film, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, revolves around the intense bond between a father, played by Anil Kapoor, and his son, portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor. As their relationship begins to unravel, the son embarks on a vengeful quest, his actions fueled by an unwavering desire to protect his family.

From the outset, the trailer sets high expectations, painting a picture of a captivating tale of family, loyalty, and betrayal. Ranbir Kapoor's role reversal with his father, Rashmika Mandana's demure beauty, and the promise of adrenaline-pumping action sequences all contribute to the film's allure.

However, as the story unfolds, the initial charm quickly fades, replaced by a disturbing narrative that glorifies misogyny and violence. The film's treatment of women is particularly jarring, reducing them to mere objects of desire and control. Ranbir Kapoor's character, despite his occasional gestures of empowerment towards his sisters, is deeply flawed, resorting to violence and intimidation to assert his dominance. The scene where he grabs his wife's neck and almost shoots her during an argument is particularly disturbing, showcasing a toxic masculinity that is both harmful and unrealistic.

The film's attempt to address gender equality through superficial gestures, such as Ranbir Kapoor touching his wife's feet, rings hollow in the face of the rampant misogyny that pervades the story. His infidelity and casual disregard for women's autonomy further cement his character as a morally repugnant individual.

While some may argue that the film should be viewed solely as entertainment, devoid of any social commentary, the pervasive misogyny and violence make it difficult to ignore the film's negative impact. The underwear jokes and sex-related conversations, intended for comic relief, fall flat, further reinforcing the film's shallow and distasteful humor.

Despite the film's commercial success, Animal fails to deliver on its promise of captivating entertainment. Instead, it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth, a reminder of the deep-rooted misogyny and violence that continue to plague our society.

While I disagreed with my friend's enthusiastic appraisal, I appreciate his passion for the film. His recommendation served as a reminder that the world of cinema, like life itself, is filled with diverse perspectives, each valid in its own way. The film's ability to elicit such divergent opinions highlighted the subjective nature of cinematic experiences and the power of individual tastes.