Syed Jehanian Sandeep Vanga Reddy’s films are always full of violence and a man who wants to showcase his masculinity. The need to assert himself as the alpha-male drives his stories forward to explore this character’s psyche. Today where men and women are equal and daughters are just as equal as a son, there is still a stigma that a son is the core foundation of a family. In Animal, this is explored through a son’s devoted love towards his father and what he is willing to do to get that love.
To say Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Ranvijay Singh is scary is an understatement. Not even terrifying. His actions are animalistic and disturbing to remind us of his obsession to get validation from his father (who is played by Anil Kapoor). Speaking of which, Balbir is portrayed as helpless when he learns of his son’s actions. The switch of the son overseeing the family when his father is present shows how he deeply feels the need to showcase his masculinity and authority. In this case, Ranvijay takes over almost everything which scares Balbir.
The theme of masculinity and violence drives the story forward and keeps you on the edge of everyone’s seats – especially the showdown between Bobby Deol and Ranbir Kapoor. However, the length of the film could be slightly shorter. The fight sequences (although invigorating) do overdo it and is not needed to represent the needs of Bobby and Ranbir’s character.
Overall, the film is a great exploration into masculinity and the need for a son to show his father that. A definitely must watch for adrenaline seekers.
