A Non-Critics Review of the film ANIMAL

This was one of the most unique films I've seen in a while

ANIMAL directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga is an incredibly raw film that lives up to its title. Its a character-driven story requires viewers to set aside moral standards and simply understand the protagonist. Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of the character is nothing short of animalistic - raw and instinctive. The story revolves around a boy who is driven by one purpose in life: to earn his father's approval. He goes to extreme lengths, exhibiting alpha male behavior. As the sole son in the family, he takes on the responsibility of being the man of the house from a young age.

Ranbir's character comes from a place of pure innocence, where his love for his father surpasses his understanding of morals. This is beautifully portrayed in a scene where he battles opposing forces while wearing a white Kurta that symbolizes his innocence. The blood stains on his Kurta represent the impact of his father's expectations or actions on his pure intentions and innocent nature.

The film exudes masculinity in every aspect. From scenes featuring nudity to explicit discussions about sexual desires, ANIMAL screams "masculinity." Another interesting observation I had was that Ranbir’s character doesn’t indulge in any alcohol abuse, a notable departure from typical portrayals of troubled masculinity, like in "Arjun Reddy". This deliberate choice allows the film to concentrate more on Ranbir’s psychological disturbances stemming from deeper, unresolved issues.

Bobby Deol's character was a strong addition, serving as the epitome of bestial behavior, with his desire evident in his eyes.

In the film, Rashmika's character marries Ranbir, initially drawn to his dominant, alpha male traits. However, as the story unfolds, she begins to see the darker side of these qualities. What once attracted her becomes the cause of his downfall. Ranbir's focus shifts from leading and nurturing his family to seeking his father's approval, neglecting his own family in the process. This is where I wished the film had delved deeper into the emotional aspect - exploring Ranbir's relationship with his own children and how he neglects them in his relentless pursuit of pleasing his father. However, it seems that Sandeep purposefully prioritized instinct over emotions to depict animalistic behavior authentically. Rashmika's portrayal is particularly striking in scenes where she confronts the reality of his infidelity. This betrayal is a result of his overpowering sexual desires, which eclipse all else in his life. Ultimately, Ranbir's exaggerated alpha persona spirals out of control, consuming him entirely and leaving him with nothing.

The music in the film was phenomenal. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional depth and complexity of Ranbir's character. Through the diverse musical themes, the audience is invited to explore the multifaceted nature of his personality. The film's soundtrack captures his childlike innocence and playfulness, juxtaposed with his softer, more romantic side as a lover. The inclusion of "Arjan Vailley" in the film is a significant choice, especially given its status as one of the first authentic Punjabi tracks in Bollywood. The song's narrative, which recounts the story of Arjan Singh Nalva, son of Hari Singh, a prominent commander-in-chief of the Sikh Khalsa Fauj, symbolizes courage and resilience. Arjan Vailly's determination to continue his father's legacy by opposing the British after his father's demise resonates deeply with the theme of Ranbir's character in the film. This parallel is particularly evident in Ranbir’s journey as he strives to avenge his father's safety. The song's historical and cultural richness adds a layer of depth to his character, symbolizing his struggle and determination. The powerful story of Arjan Vailly, embedded in the song, mirrors Ranbir's own fight, offering a poignant backdrop to his character's motivations and actions.

"Papa Meri Jaan" is another song that is so brilliantly crafted. Listen to it carefully, it a combines childlike innocence with an eerie tone, reflecting Ranbir’s transformation from a young boy yearning for his father's love to a monstrous figure. This musical progression symbolizes his emotional and psychological evolution. It emphasizes a story of innocence lost and the haunting consequences of unfulfilled emotional needs.

Overall, ANIMAL is one of the most unique films I’ve seen in Bollywood, Ranbir’s performance was incredible; no one else could have nailed it like him. When I first came out of the theater, I was like this film had a missed opportunity, but after sleeping on it I realized I went in with a moral standard. After dropping it and reflecting on the movie, I realized how brilliantly crafted it was, though I still wish it had gone deeper emotionally to feel what Ranbir was feeling. In the end, "Animal" challenges the norms of Bollywood storytelling and leaves a lasting impression.