Shruti Suman
In the midst of ongoing controversy surrounding the film Animal, Kangana Ranaut has offered a critical response to comments made by director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Vanga’s film, the second directorial venture in Bollywood, has drawn significant attention, particularly for its portrayal of female characters.
Renowned personalities such as Javed Akhtar, Anupama Chopra, and Kiran Rao have publicly criticized Vanga’s treatment of female characters in his films, including his most recent release, Animal. Despite facing criticism, Vanga has been steadfast in defending his creative choices, articulating his rationale through various interviews.
During a recent conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Vanga expressed admiration for Kangana Ranaut’s work and addressed her previous remarks about Animal. He indicated a willingness to collaborate with her if a suitable opportunity arose, expressing indifference towards any negative feedback she may have regarding his film.
Responding to Vanga’s comments, Ranaut adopted a satirical tone, suggesting that while constructive criticism is essential for the arts, she appreciated Vanga’s respectful acknowledgment of her viewpoint. Furthermore, she humorously declined any potential roles offered by Vanga, fearing that her involvement might lead to a transformation of his “alpha male” characters into feminists, thereby jeopardizing the commercial success of his films.
Prior to this exchange, Ranaut had expressed dismay over the prevalence of negative critiques directed at her films, juxtaposed with the apparent endorsement of narratives that objectify and mistreat women. This disheartening trend, she noted, conflicted with her commitment to producing films that empower women, hinting at potential adjustments to her career trajectory in response.
Meanwhile, Animal, featuring an ensemble cast including Anil Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, and Tripti Dimri, has achieved considerable success since its release on December 1, 2023. Grossing over Rs 900 crores globally against a budget of Rs 100 crores, the film has secured several accolades, positioning it among the top-grossing Indian films of its release year.
