Animal | Movie Review

Cast: Anil Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, Triptii Dimri
Director: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Release Date: 01 December, 2023
Rating: ★★★★☆

Synopsis:
ANIMAL takes viewers on a gripping journey into the world of Ranvijay, played by the phenomenal Ranbir Kapoor, an obsessed son of the successful businessman Balbir Singh, portrayed by Anil Kapoor. The story unfolds as Ranvijay’s deep love for his father clashes with Balbir’s commitment to work, leading to conflicts and eventual separation. Ranvijay’s return after eight years, triggered by an attempt on Balbir’s life, sets the stage for a high-octane, emotionally charged narrative that explores love, vengeance, and familial bonds.

Direction and Screenplay:
Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s direction is a masterclass in stylish and massy storytelling. The film’s 3 hours and 23 minutes runtime is justified by a compelling narrative that seamlessly weaves together multiple sub-plots and characters. The first half stands out with impactful massy moments, while the emotional depth of the father-son and husband-wife tracks resonates with the audience. However, the second half witnesses a slight dip in intensity, with some scenes between the lead couple potentially polarizing a section of the audience. The screenplay by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Pranay Reddy Vanga, and Suresh Bandaru, though ambitious, encounters cracks in the latter part of the film.

Performances:
Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Ranvijay is nothing short of extraordinary, marking his best performance to date. Anil Kapoor shines in a role with fewer dialogues, delivering arresting expressions that speak volumes. Rashmika Mandanna impresses, especially in the second half, while Bobby Deol, Siddhant Karnick, and the supporting cast contribute commendable performances.

Music and Cinematography:
The soundtrack, with standout tracks like ‘Arjun Vailly,’ complements the film’s narrative, enhancing its impact. Amit Roy’s cinematography captures the cinematic essence of the story, and Harshvardhan Rameshwar’s background score adds tension and mass appeal.

Technical Aspects:
The film’s production design by Suresh Selvarajan is rich, costumes by Sheetal Iqbal Sharma are apt, and Supreme Sundar’s action sequences, though violent, contribute to the film’s intensity. VFX by Do It Creative Ltd, NY VFXWaala, Visual Birds Studio, Famous Studio, and Red Chillies.VFX is top-notch. Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s editing is on point, with a few scenes having room for improvement.

Conclusion:
ANIMAL, driven by Ranbir Kapoor’s outstanding performance, enthralling massy sequences, and a jaw-dropping interval block, is a powerful cinematic experience. While the second half faces minor challenges in sustaining the momentum, the film’s tremendous hype and curiosity ensure a blockbuster opening. ANIMAL is poised to emerge victorious at the box office, leaving an indelible mark on the audience.