Release on 30 November 2023, this movie has earned a lot of attention for both positive and negative aspects. Here is my take on the movie that depicts the story of a father and son bond carved in blood.
“Animal” is a multi-starer movie with many stars in one frame. Ranbir Kapoor, as the only son of Balveer Singh, a business tycoon, is portrayed as a Sigma male and the impact it has on the people around him. He is unapologetic, intelligent, and loves his family a lot.
The movie moves forward in showing the obsession a son has to gain the approval of his father, and from a young age, how his one wish has shaped his entire life. Ranbir slayed this character to the core.
Anil Kapoor, as Balveer Singh, was phenomenal. From being a stoic father focused on his business to regretting the time he hadn’t spent with his children, his emotions were conveyed through his eyes alone. The transition he goes through in one scene from anger to confusion to fear to concern is applaudable.
Every character has their own story and agenda, and each of them delivers it to the best of their abilities. Rashmika, as a dutiful wife who hates how their life has shifted overnight and her loving husband has turned into a murderer, in a few scenes may be seen as overdone, but crucial scenes were top-notch and shouldn’t be missed.
The music is captivating and enthralling; one can easily get lost in the lyrics. What the movie lacks is depth.
We see the characters, and we are told their desires and aspirations, but there is no backbone to the story. Why is Balveer Singh loved by all his workers? How does Balveer Singh hold so much power in the country that his son goes on a murder rampage, and there is no law and order? What is this company all about and its power?
Why were all his cousins ready to die for Ranbir over his one speech? Their bond or anything isn’t shown except for the jokes and rage-filled dialogues.
We were introduced to a second family miles away who have their own set of rules and love, but it was so short that the angst that was shown felt hollow.
Also, the movie ended on a cliffhanger to show there is a sequel coming up for this, which felt unnecessary, but maybe the points that are missed in this movie are shown in that one, and it could be a fun watch.
So, if you like movies with a hero whose ego is bigger than his height and has his own set of principles that he keeps shoving into your throat, but you love the action and blood and a good set of music, this movie is for you.
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