Animal Movie: The much-anticipated gangster action drama, “Animal,” starring Ranbir Kapoor and directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, created a massive stir with its captivating trailer and promotional content. Now that the film has hit the silver screens, the question on everyone’s mind is whether it lives up to the immense hype generated. Let’s delve into the storyline, highlights, drawbacks, and technical aspects to provide a comprehensive overview.
Plot Overview:
“Animal” revolves around Ranvijay Singh Balbir (Ranbir Kapoor), a son who goes to great lengths to shield his father, Balbir Singh (Anil Kapoor). The film explores the complexities of their father-son relationship, love, and the unforeseen challenges that arise when Balbir Singh faces an attack. Ranvijay’s unwavering commitment to protecting his father forms the core of the narrative.
Highlights:
Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of the protagonist is nothing short of brilliant. His wild and intense characterization demands a commendable level of conviction, and Ranbir delivers a stellar performance. The actor’s compelling presence is particularly evident in an extraordinary conversational scene during the climax.
The first half of the film proves highly engaging, successfully hooking the audience despite a lengthy runtime. Well-executed character developments, action sequences, and high moments contribute to the film’s appeal. The interval sequence, shot superbly and complemented by Harshavardhan Rameshwar’s terrific background score, stands out as a peak moment.
Rashmika Mandanna impresses with her performance and shares excellent chemistry with Ranbir. The Telugu dubbing, handled by Vasu for Ranbir, adds to the film’s authenticity. The songs, with neatly written Telugu lyrics, contribute to the overall enjoyment. Supporting cast members, including Anil Kapoor, Tripthi Dimri, Suresh Oberoi, and Siddharth Karnick, deliver commendable performances.
Drawbacks:
Similar to Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s previous works like “Arjun Reddy” and “Kabir Singh,” “Animal” features bold and controversial scenes, taking the wildness a notch higher. Some sequences are bound to spark discussions and raise eyebrows.
The second hour sees depth in Ranbir’s character, leading to peculiar behavior. While this adds complexity to the protagonist, it may not resonate with all audiences, especially the mass audience who may struggle to connect with certain portions.
The underdeveloped character of Bobby Deol and a somewhat predictable plot progression in the latter half are notable drawbacks. Excessive usage of English may cause occasional irritation, and the film becomes predictable after a certain point.
Technical Aspects:
The film’s technical aspects receive praise, with well-shot songs, neat cinematography, and nicely curated action set pieces. Harshavardhan Rameshwar’s scintillating background score significantly enhances the impact of key scenes. However, the editing in the last hour could have been more refined, and a few scenes might benefit from trimming.
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga delivers an unconventional action drama with a universally appealing first half. The intense drama between Ranbir and Rashmika in the second half, while not everyone’s cup of tea, sets the film apart. Although the storyline isn’t entirely novel, Ranbir’s characterization adds a unique touch.
Verdict:
“Animal” emerges as an intense action drama that will appeal to a specific audience. The universally appealing first half may win over many, but the tonal shifts in the second half and the bold content might not resonate with everyone. Ranbir Kapoor’s award-worthy performance stands out, making him the heart and soul of the film. While the technical aspects are solid, Bobby Deol’s character could have been better developed. If you appreciate unconventional films with a high dose of heroism, “Animal” is worth a watch.