Rashmika Mandanna's Bold Take On Ranbir Kapoor's Animal Character Triggers Internet Debate

Rashmika Mandanna's recent remarks about her film Animal and its controversial male lead are facing backlash across social media platforms.

Rashmika stood by the film, asserting that cinema should be seen purely as a form of storytelling.

Source : IMDb

Actor Rashmika Mandanna has sparked a heated debate online after she addressed criticism around her 2023 film Animal, in which she starred opposite Ranbir Kapoor. The film received mixed reactions for its portrayal of toxic masculinity and problematic relationship dynamics, with Ranbir’s character Ranvijay Balbir Singh becoming a particularly divisive figure.

Rashmika Mandanna Defends Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal

In a recent conversation with Mojo Story, Rashmika stood by the film, asserting that cinema should be seen purely as a form of storytelling. “Movies should be watched as movies,” she said. “If someone is going to be influenced by a film, they should watch their kind of content. Nobody is forcing the audience to watch a particular film.”

However, it was Rashmika’s comments about Ranbir Kapoor’s character that truly ignited the internet. When asked if she would accept a man like Ranvijay in real life, she responded, “I truly believe that if you love someone and someone loves you, the changes will happen.”

Yes, I would date a guy like Ranbir’s character in Animal in real life — and I believe my love would change him :- Rashmika mandhana
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This statement didn’t sit well with many viewers. When the interviewer and audience pointed out that people don’t usually change in real life, Rashmika elaborated, “I said that statement because, like, example, when you grow up with your partner or someone from a younger age, you're still forming a personality. You still are figuring out what you like and what you don't like. And when you grow up together... suddenly, when you remember your best friend or your partner being a certain way, maybe a decade earlier, suddenly to the person who they are today.”

Internet Reacts With Mixed Emotions

While some fans applauded Rashmika for being honest and standing by her work, others criticised her for romanticising a character many found deeply problematic. Social media platforms have since been flooded with divided opinions—some users called her take “naive,” while others called it “refreshing.”

Rashmika’s remarks come at a time when conversations around character accountability and the impact of cinema on real-life perceptions of relationships are increasingly gaining traction.