Having longed for the love and attention of his father Balbir Singh (Anil Kapoor) all his life, the troubled Vijay (Ranbir Kapoor) becomes obsessive and violent when his father is attacked. Seeking revenge and hunting down the conspirators became his only objective. In the eyes of the film’s hero, Vijay, family loyalty prevails, even amid twisted relationships and turbulence. “Blood is thicker than water,” he declares, emphasizing the sanctity of family ties and the unity they bring. This sentiment, steeped in tradition and conviction, forms the basic spirit of the narrative, where it is better to break dysfunction than to break it.
Throughout its lengthy 3-hour and 21-minute running time, the film delves into a world marked by rampant violence, rampant testosterone, and blatant misogyny. Its writer and director, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, famous for his controversial opinions, once again glorifies the archetype of the alpha male in a story reminiscent of the famous saga “The Godfather.”
The story unfolds when Vijay’s father is shot, leading him to assert himself as the new head of the family. With steely determination, he vows to protect the Empire of Steel from him and preserve the legacy of his bloodline, while fueling a burning desire for revenge.
Despite battling deep-seated anger and unresolved issues with his father, Vijay maintains an active love life. He tempts Gitanjali, played by Rashmika Mandanna, with his toxic mix of masculinity and inappropriate humor. Their relationship is rife with power dynamics, as Vijay exerts control over Gitanjali, even in intimate matters such as her sexual encounters.
The film’s depiction of Vijay’s attitude toward women and violence is deeply disturbing and challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about social norms and gender dynamics. While Vanga’s artistic freedom allows her to shape the protagonist as she sees fit, the lack of a compelling narrative goal makes the story feel empty. Even when the film was missing several aspects, Vanga did a great job in selecting songs like Pehle Bhi Main, Papa Meri Jaan, Saari Duniya Jala Denge, Haiwaan, Satranga, etc. Two of them left their mark on everyone’s lips, like Arjan Vailly and Jamal Kudu.
In the absence of a clear motive behind Vijay’s actions, “Animal” struggles to move beyond its superficial depiction of an armed rebel without a cause. The feud between father and son, which seemingly forms the core of the plot, remains unexplored, leaving audiences yearning for a deeper insight into the characters’ motivations and internal conflicts.
Despite a talented cast, including the likes of Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol, the story fails to invest in its characters, relegating them to the background as mere spectators of Vijay’s turbulent journey. Meanwhile, Rashmika Mandanna’s portrayal of Gitanjali suffers from unintelligible dialogues, detracting from the impact of her character.
Amid this chaos, the film’s action scenes stand out as captivating scenes, brilliantly choreographed to evoke the intensity of legendary battles. Background music and background music complement the mood of the film, increasing the tension and drama on screen.
At its core, “Animal” relies heavily on the commanding presence and talent of Ranbir Kapoor, who dominates the screen with his sheer charisma and incomparable intensity. Vijay’s performance of him, with bloodshot eyes and boiling fury, captivates the audience, drawing them into his turbulent psyche with every frame.
However, despite Kapoor’s strong performance, the film fails to live up to its potential and lacks the depth and nuance needed to elevate it beyond a mere showcase of his acting prowess. While Kapoor brilliantly channels the unpredictability of his character, the script does not provide the thematic material necessary to fully showcase his abilities.
Ultimately, “Animal” is a wasted opportunity, squandering the talent of its cast and the potential of its premise in favor of superficial action and spectacle. While Kapoor’s performance may draw comparisons to cinematic icons like Joaquin Phoenix, the film ultimately fails to reach the heights of its ambition, leaving viewers yearning for a more substantive exploration of its central themes and characters. Perhaps, as suggested, the heart of the story lies not in the bloodshed and chaos, but in the calm conversations between father and son, where the true essence of family bonds is revealed.