National Award-winning writer and lyricist Swanand Kirkire expressed his discontent with Sandeep Reddy Vanga's film Animal, which he found troubling, particularly in light of its positive reception. In an interview with The Lallantop, he criticized the film for its contradictions, noting how it dismisses poetry in one moment only to later employ it to evoke excitement.

Kirkire referenced classic films such as Mehboob Khan’s Aurat, Guru Dutt’s Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Vikas Bahl’s Queen, and Shoojit Sircar’s Piku to illustrate how cinema has historically encouraged audiences to view women with empathy and respect, promoting a more progressive outlook. He clarified that his primary concern in his tweet about Animal was not the film's creation itself, but rather the audacity of its claims and the ease with which it was accepted by the public, particularly among young women.

Swanand Kirkire on what disturbed him most in Animal

He Hindi cinema has played a significant role in helping individuals like me, hailing from places such as Indore, grasp the true essence of gender equality. Even in Anurag Kashyap’s Dev D, women were depicted as autonomous individuals. However, with the release of Animal, we have accepted a different narrative. My concern lies not in the film's production but in the excessive approval it garnered. I recall the day I watched the film; I encountered a young woman who had seen it twice and remarked, “Bobby Deol is so attractive.” What troubled me was Sandeep Reddy Vanga's dismissal of all forms of positive masculinity, opting instead to glorify its most detrimental aspects.

Swanand also expressed disapproval of a particular line in the film where Ranbir Kapoor’s character, Ranvijay, tells Rashmika Mandanna’s Geetanjali that men who fail to become alpha males often turn to poetry. He commented, “I don’t mind that perspective. However, the film suggests that those who cannot achieve alpha status resort to poetry, implying that it is a fallback for insecure men. Ironically, the same film employs poetry and lyrics to elevate Ranvijay to an alpha male status. In the Arjan Vailly song, where he is depicted as slaughtering hundreds, it is not merely the visuals but the poetry and music that evoke excitement. You dismiss poetry in one line yet rely on it in your soundtrack. I anticipate that Sandeep Reddy Vanga may take offense at my comments again, but that is acceptable.”

This is not the first instance of the writer and lyricist voicing his criticism of the film. Following the release of Animal, he took to Twitter to express that the film was tarnishing “the glorious history of Indian cinema.” In response to his remarks, the team behind Animal quickly countered his statements.

About Animal

The action drama film, co-written and directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and produced by T-Series Films, Bhadrakali Pictures, and Cine1 Studios, stars Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, and Triptii Dimri. The film was criticised for its portrayal of toxic masculinity and violence. However, despite this, it emerged as a blockbuster, collecting ₹915 crore worldwide. A sequel, Animal Park, is currently in the pipeline.

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