Animal: A Violent Saga with Less Substance than a Pair of Good Undies

 

Image courtesy: (C) Business-Standard.com

Sandeep Reddy Vanga has carved a niche for himself as the enfant terrible of Indian cinema, consistently churning out films that leave audiences either enthralled or enraged. With "Animal," he takes his signature style to the next level, transforming his trademark intensity into a relentless barrage of shock value that will have you cringing, chuckling, and scratching your head in bewilderment. The film follows the story of a man who loves his father so much that he's willing to do anything to protect him, even if it means killing a lot of people along the way. The protagonist, played with manic intensity by Ranbir Kapoor, is a walking contradiction – he's a devoted family man who also happens to be a violent psychopath.

I had the dubious pleasure of witnessing this cinematic spectacle on the big screen, and I left the theater feeling like I'd just been subjected to a bizarre acid trip. Vanga, armed with what must have been a script fueled by an excessive amount of caffeine and a deep fascination with men's undergarments, has crafted a film that could have been a gripping tale of dynastic politics and toxic family dynamics, but instead devolves into a chaotic mess of crude humor, gratuitous violence, and a plot that seems to have been cobbled together from leftover scenes from a dozen different movies. The protagonist, played with manic intensity by Ranbir Kapoor, is a walking embodiment of daddy issues, constantly seeking the approval of his distant and domineering father. His manic love for his father, however, is no different from the antagonist's murderous obsession, leaving the audience struggling to find a character to root for. Vanga's preoccupation with the protagonist's nether regions is a recurring theme, with more screen time dedicated to discussions of underwear washing techniques and the proper hand position for holding oneself while urinating than to actual character development. The female characters, when not subjected to the protagonist's machismo or left to lament their helplessness, are reduced to mere props, devoid of any depth or agency. While Kapoor's performance is undoubtedly a highlight, his character remains one-dimensional, trapped in a cycle of rage and desperate for paternal validation. The father-son dynamic, with its potential for a complex exploration of power and control, is never fully explored, leaving the audience with more questions than answers. In conclusion, "Animal" is a film that could have been a wild ride, but instead, it's a bumpy journey through a landscape of cringe-worthy humor, excessive violence, and underdeveloped characters. If you're seeking a film with substance and depth, you're better off watching paint dry. However, if you're looking for a cinematic equivalent of a bad acid trip, "Animal" might just be your ticket to oblivion. Verdict: Proceed with extreme caution, or risk being scarred for life.