In an encounter earlier this year, Anurag Kashyap engaged with Sandeep Reddy Vanga, deliberating on the latter’s 2023 cinematic creation, “Animal,” featuring the illustrious Ranbir Kapoor. Kashyap publicly lauded Vanga, deeming him the ‘most misconstrued, disparaged, and assessed filmmaker of the epoch’ via Instagram. Recently, during an episode of “Young, Dumb & Anxious,” Anurag responded to his daughter Aaliyah Kashyap’s inquiry regarding Vanga’s online proclamation.
Labeling “Animal” as ‘appalling’ and ‘chauvinistic,’ Aaliyah conveyed her disillusionment towards her father’s endorsement of the project. In retort, Anurag conveyed to Aaliyah, articulating, “I established a rapport with Sandeep Reddy Vanga during our interaction. Our dialogue spanned five hours, during which I probed him with my inquiries, keen on delving into the depths of his cinematic opus, ‘Animal.’ I hold a genuine fondness for the individual. I have perennially upheld the belief in meaningful discourse with fellow beings. Post the release of ‘Dev D’ in 2009, I faced significant backlash, with accusations of misogyny leveled against me due to the film’s portrayal. I have often witnessed instances where individuals are subjected to ostracization, subjected to unwarranted attacks, a stance I vehemently oppose.”
The director elaborated further, accentuating, “The essence of Sandeep’s persona is transparent in his endeavors. ‘Animal’ may or may not resonate with the masses, yet irrespective of its reception, the film heralds a paradigmatic shift in cinematic conventions. In the span of 5–10 years, its cultural significance shall become apparent. Subsequent to ‘Animal,’ the authenticity of every action-oriented cinematic endeavor appears contrived. Consider ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ (featuring Tiger Shroff and Akshay Kumar), wherein the choreographed acrobatics and combative sequences appear artificial in the wake of the profound impact of ‘Animal’s’ technical finesse, auditory embellishments, and unconventional narrative trajectory. Such impressions are indelible and hold sway over the cinematic landscape.”
Delineating on the premise of “Animal,” the narrative revolves around the tumultuous dynamic between a paternal figure and his offspring. Ranbir Kapoor portrays Rannvijay Singh, a man on a quest for retribution following the victimization of his father. Additionally, the film features the talents of Prem Chopra, Suresh Oberoi, Triptii Dimri, and Rashmika Mandanna in pivotal roles.