✅ Animal (2023) is a powerful Indian Hindi-language action drama that delves into the complex, often volatile, relationship between a son and his estranged father. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, this film is a raw and intense exploration of family dynamics, vengeance, and unchecked masculinity, setting new benchmarks for the genre in Indian cinema. Optimized for seamless viewing across all modern devices including smartphones, tablets, and desktop platforms, Animal offers a visceral and unforgettable cinematic experience. With Ranbir Kapoor’s transformative performance, gripping action, and a narrative that pushes boundaries, Animal stands as a polarizing yet undeniably impactful film of 2023.

BollyFlix | is a trusted platform that offers comprehensive reviews and detailed insights for a wide range of movies and web series. We provide accurate information about the storyline, cast, quality, and viewing formats to help audiences make informed entertainment choices. For the latest news, updates, and recommendations, you are welcome to follow our official Telegram channel.

6.1/10

Animal

Director: Sandeep Reddy Vanga

Writer: Suresh Bandaru, Saurabh Gupta, Pranay Reddy Vanga

Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol

Plot: The hardened son of a powerful industrialist returns home after years abroad and vows to take bloody revenge on those threatening his father's life.

Countries: India

Languages: Hindi

IMDb: View on IMDb

Animal (2023) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Movie Details 

• Full Name: Animal (2023)
• Language: Hindi (Original), Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam (Dubbed)
• Budget: ₹100 crore (approx. $12 million)
• Revenue: ₹905–917.82 crore (approx. $110 million)
• Runtime: 201 Minutes (3 Hours 21 Minutes)
• Release Date: December 1, 2023
• Genres: Action, Drama, Crime, Thriller
• Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, Triptii Dimri
• Directors: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
• Screenplay: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
• Studios & Producers: T-Series Films, Bhadrakali Pictures, Cine1 Studios (Producers: Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Murad Khetani, Pranay Reddy Vanga)
• Voice Cast: Not Applicable
• Animation & Style: Not Applicable

OFFICIAL IMAGES

Plot Summary

Animal chronicles the tumultuous and obsessively possessive relationship between Ranvijay “Vijay” Singh (Ranbir Kapoor) and his estranged industrialist father, Balbir Singh (Anil Kapoor). From a young age, Vijay craves his father’s attention and validation, but Balbir’s demanding career keeps him emotionally distant. This lack of paternal affection deeply scars Vijay, leading him to develop a fierce, often violent, protective instinct towards his family.

The narrative spans decades, showcasing Vijay’s transformation from a troubled young man to a ruthless figure consumed by vengeance. When an assassination attempt is made on Balbir, Vijay returns from abroad, unleashing his primal, “animalistic” side to protect his father and family. He embarks on a brutal and destructive path, confronting a series of formidable adversaries, including the menacing Abrar Haque (Bobby Deol), who has a deep-seated vendetta against the Singh family. The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, toxic masculinity, and the lengths one man will go to for his family, even if it means sacrificing his own humanity and morality. His relationship with his wife, Geetanjali (Rashmika Mandanna), also faces severe strain as his violent tendencies escalate, leading to a relentless cycle of bloodshed and psychological turmoil.

Cast & Crew

The cast of Animal delivers powerhouse performances that are central to the film’s impact. Ranbir Kapoor is phenomenal as Ranvijay “Vijay” Singh, delivering a career-defining performance. He embodies the character’s rage, vulnerability, and obsessive love with unsettling conviction, undergoing a remarkable physical and emotional transformation. His portrayal is both terrifying and empathetic, drawing the audience into Vijay’s twisted world. Anil Kapoor as Balbir Singh, the emotionally distant father, provides a solid anchor, perfectly conveying the complexities of a man torn between family and ambition.

Bobby Deol, in a limited but impactful role as the antagonist Abrar Haque, creates a menacing and memorable presence, making every scene he is in count. Rashmika Mandanna as Geetanjali, Vijay’s wife, brings a much-needed emotional core, portraying her character’s frustration and love with sincerity. Triptii Dimri also leaves a strong impression in her extended cameo. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga extracts intense and raw performances from his entire ensemble, creating a gritty and unforgettable cinematic experience driven by its compelling characters.

Critical & Audience Response

Animal received highly polarizing reviews from critics, yet achieved monumental success at the box office. Critics were divided, with many praising the lead performances, particularly Ranbir Kapoor’s, and the film’s bold direction, intense action sequences, and engaging soundtrack. The raw, unfiltered portrayal of violence and complex character dynamics also garnered appreciation. However, a significant portion of critics heavily criticized the film for its perceived glorification of toxic masculinity, misogynistic undertones, excessive violence, and problematic themes.

Despite the divisive critical response, Animal was a massive commercial success, breaking numerous box office records and becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian films of 2023. Audiences flocked to theaters, contributing to its blockbuster status. While discussions around its controversial themes dominated public discourse, the film’s entertainment value, fueled by Ranbir Kapoor’s star power and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s distinctive style, resonated strongly with a large segment of the audience, leading to its undeniable commercial triumph.

Direction & Cinematography

Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s direction in Animal is audacious and uncompromising. He doubles down on his signature style, delivering a film that is visceral, intense, and emotionally raw. Vanga meticulously crafts a narrative that explores the darker facets of human relationships and vengeance, pushing boundaries in terms of on-screen violence and character morality. His vision for Vijay’s character is clear, even if controversial, showcasing a single-minded determination. He excels at creating a heightened sense of drama and orchestrating large-scale, brutal action sequences that leave a lasting impact.

The cinematography by Amit Roy and Gurinder Singh (additional photography) is outstanding, contributing significantly to the film’s gritty aesthetic. They utilize a raw, almost handheld style in many intense scenes, making the audience feel immersed in the chaos. The lighting and color grading create a dark, brooding atmosphere that perfectly complements the film’s themes. From wide shots capturing the opulence of the Singh family’s world to close-ups capturing the raw emotion on Ranbir Kapoor’s face, the cinematography is consistently impactful, supporting Vanga’s bold directorial choices and enhancing the film’s overall visual appeal.

Music & Background Score

The music and background score of Animal are pivotal to its immersive experience, featuring contributions from multiple talented composers. The soundtrack, with songs composed by **Pritam, Vishal Mishra, Manan Bhardwaj, Shreyas Puranik, and Jaani**, became a massive success, with tracks like “Arjan Vailly” and “Pehle Bhi Main” becoming instant hits and perfectly capturing the film’s raw energy and emotional depth. The diverse musical styles blend seamlessly, supporting the narrative’s shifts from intense action to heartfelt emotional moments. **Harshavardhan Rameshwar’s** background score is phenomenal, amplifying the film’s tension, violence, and emotional resonance. It is a character in itself, creating an unsettling and powerful atmosphere that perfectly complements Vanga’s directorial vision.

Visuals & Special Effects

Animal features commendable visuals and special effects that enhance its gritty realism and large-scale action sequences. The VFX are employed to create seamless transitions and augment the intensity of the fight choreography, making the impacts feel brutal and visceral. While the film relies heavily on practical effects for its raw feel, CGI is judiciously used to create realistic settings, augment crowd scenes, and enhance the overall cinematic spectacle. The visual execution supports the film’s dark and intense tone, ensuring that the violence and drama are portrayed with a high degree of technical proficiency, contributing significantly to the film’s immersive and impactful viewing experience.

Editing & Screenplay

Sandeep Reddy Vanga takes on dual roles as both director and editor, and his editing plays a crucial role in maintaining the film’s relentless pace and intensity, despite its extensive runtime. The cuts are sharp and dynamic, particularly during the action sequences, ensuring that the viewer is constantly engaged. The screenplay, also penned by Vanga, is a bold and uncompromising exploration of a dysfunctional father-son relationship and its violent repercussions. While it received praise for its raw narrative and character depth, it also drew criticism for its controversial themes and portrayal of women. However, the writing undeniably creates a compelling and often disturbing journey into the psyche of its protagonist, driving the film’s powerful impact.

Positives / What Works

Animal excels with **Ranbir Kapoor’s exceptional, transformative performance**, a definitive career highlight. **Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s audacious and unapologetic direction** creates a unique cinematic experience. The film boasts **intense, raw, and well-choreographed action sequences** that are a visual spectacle. The **powerful and emotive music and background score** significantly elevate the narrative. Despite its length, the film’s **engaging screenplay** keeps audiences gripped, sparking widespread debate and discussion.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

Animal faced significant criticism for its **controversial themes, including perceived glorification of toxic masculinity and misogynistic undertones**. Its **extreme graphic violence** was unsettling for many viewers. The **extended runtime** of over three hours, while immersive for some, led to pacing issues for others. Some found certain **dialogues and character portrayals problematic and stereotypical**, sparking considerable social debate post-release.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

Animal is a cinematic force that ignites strong reactions, making it one of the most talked-about films of 2023. While highly polarizing due to its themes and violence, it’s undeniably a bold and impactful film driven by Ranbir Kapoor’s tour-de-force performance and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s uncompromising vision. It’s a film that demands to be seen, not necessarily for universal approval, but for its sheer audacity and its ability to provoke thought and discussion. For those open to its intense and raw portrayal of human nature, Animal offers a truly unforgettable, albeit uncomfortable, viewing experience.

Movie Rating

Disclaimer: We do not host, upload, or link to any files on our server that violate copyright laws.

OFFICIAL TRAILER

FAQs