New Delhi: Filmmaker Karan Johar is not an exception to the rule that everyone who enjoyed Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal must eventually explain why. Karan, who previously described the contentious Ranbir Kapoor film as the finest film of 2023, has now again discussed the aspects of the action thriller that he found appealing.
Animal received flak for its violent visuals, upsetting moments, and misogynistic plot. Despite the strong disagreements on social media, the movie went on to become one of the biggest hits in Hindi cinema history.
Months after startling audiences by acknowledging that the movie had "aroused and engaged" him like no other, Karan Johar revisited the topic of Animal at the Forbes India Leadership Awards 2024.
Speaking about the film at the event, Karan said, "There’s been a lot of debate on Animal. People have expressed opinions, stood for it or against it – the filmmaker himself has been very vocal about his feelings. Personally, truly honestly, I saw it as a character film based on a character who was deeply dysfunctional, inherently violent, who had many emotional issues – and I loved the treatment.”
Karan Johar claimed that he was so impressed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga's storytelling and technical skill that he didn't delve "deep" into the movie's "moral communication." Johar stated that he must be honest about his affection for a movie, even if doing so puts him at risk of criticism.
Talking further about the film, he added, "There are people who have called me and expressed their opinions – and agreed or disagreed with me. I have to be honest about my emotion attached to a film I’ve seen, and if it comes with criticism or flak, then I have to accept it with open arms. And if it comes with an embrace, I have to accept that as well."
Animal, which brought in over Rs 900 crore at the box office, was highly praised for the performances of Bobby Deol, Triptii Dimri, Anil Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Ranbir Kapoor. Animal sparked a contentious debate on social media, with critics like Javed Akhtar and Swanand Kirkire harshly criticising the movie.