Javed Akhtar speaks out against Animal warns viewers about the impact

Sandeep Reddy Vanga's directorial venture, "Animal," hit the screens in December 2023, setting the box office ablaze from day one. Starring a stellar cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor, and Triptii Dimri, the film not only garnered immense love but also shattered numerous box office records.

However, amidst the applause, "Animal" faced criticism for its portrayal of toxic masculinity. Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar, speaking at the Ajanta Ellora International Film Festival in Aurangabad, expressed concern over the success of such films. Although not explicitly naming "Animal," Akhtar remarked, “If there’s a film in which a man asks a woman to lick his shoe, if a man says it’s okay to slap a woman, and the film is a super hit, that’s dangerous.”

The reference was to a controversial scene in "Animal" where Ranbir Kapoor's character demands Triptii Dimri to lick his shoe as a testament of her love.

Akhtar continued, highlighting the shift in song lyrics over the years. Despite acknowledging controversial lyrics in the past, like "Choli Ke Peeche" from "Khal Nayak," he emphasized the alarming aspect of such content gaining massive popularity. He stressed that the responsibility lies with the audience, urging them to decide the fate of the films they endorse.

Addressing the audience, Akhtar asserted, “A bigger responsibility lies on the audience. You decide what kind of films should be made, and which ones shouldn’t.” He emphasized that the power to shape the cinematic landscape rests with the viewers.

"Animal," backed by T-Series, Cine1 Studios, and Bhadrakali Pictures, delves into the complexities of a tumultuous father-son relationship. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the film grapples with intense dynamics and has sparked a broader conversation about societal preferences in cinema