Animal – A Cinematic Temper Tantrum with a Dull Roar

Ranbir Kapoor in Animal

Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, is a film that struggles to find its footing, caught between excessive violence and an attempt at giving the middle finger to “woke feminists”. The narrative follows Ranbir Kapoor as Ranvijay, a character defined more by his uncontrollable rage than any compelling depth. The film unfolds in a series of flashbacks, with a confusing and unnecessary framing device set in the year 2056, serving little purpose other than to add an extra layer of complexity.

The movie revolves around the strained relationship between Ranvijay and his father Balbir, played by Anil Kapoor, who is preoccupied with his business empire. The character dynamics are poorly developed, with Balbir’s reactions to his son’s violent behavior coming off as inconsistent and unconvincing.

The film’s screenplay relies heavily on shock value, presenting gory and violent sequences without much narrative justification. Unlike other films that use violence as a means to explore masculinity and societal pressures, Animal seems to revel in violence for its own sake. The protagonist’s actions, including mass murder, lack any legal consequences in a world where the ultra-rich can apparently get away with anything.

Ranbir Kapoor’s performance, while intense, fails to add depth to his character, who remains consistently angry from start to finish. The attempt to subvert expectations by presenting a different side of the actor falls flat, as the film merely reinforces stereotypes and toxic masculinity.

The treatment of women in the film is a point of contention, with the narrative seemingly baiting audiences into debates about feminism. The movie’s attempt to address misogyny through a reversal of roles feels forced and fails to contribute meaningfully to any larger discussion. The film’s embrace of provocative sexism, coupled with gratuitous scenes of violence, creates a disconcerting viewing experience.

Animal’s narrative lacks finesse, with episodic storytelling that fails to build to any meaningful climax. The film sacrifices cinematic craftsmanship for flashy scenes and bombastic moments, leaving the audience with a sense of emptiness after its 201-minute runtime.

While the technical aspects of the film, including cinematography and background scoring, are commendable, they are overshadowed by the overall lack of substance in the storytelling. Animal exists in a reality that is neither convincingly realistic nor fully fantastical, making it challenging for viewers to engage with the narrative on any meaningful level.

In the end, Animal may succeed in provoking reactions and discussions, but it does so at the expense of coherent storytelling and character development. The film’s reliance on shock value and its questionable portrayal of relationships and societal issues raise concerns about the direction of Hindi cinema in 2023. As the film generates buzz, one must question whether the industry is taking responsibility for the impact of such narratives on the audience.

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25 years of Dil Se – A landmark Bollywood album

A.R. Rahman is a name that needs no introduction. With a career spanning more than three decades, Rahman has consistently pushed the boundaries of musical creativity and experimentation. Among his many masterpieces, the album Dil Se stands out as a true pathbreaker. Released in 1998, this soundtrack not only defined the era but also showcased Rahman’s unmatched ability to blend diverse genres and create a musical tapestry that resonates even today. Dil Se will forever be celebrated as a musical odyssey that reshaped the landscape of Indian music and left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions.

Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta in Dil Se (Image Credit: Google Play)

Revolutionising Bollywood Music

Dil Se marked a turning point in Bollywood music by introducing an entirely new soundscape. The album brought a fresh perspective to the industry, setting new standards for musical innovation. Rahman’s fusion of traditional Indian melodies with contemporary global influences elevated the film’s narrative and created a sonic experience like no other.

Embracing Diversity

One of the most remarkable aspects of Dil Se is Rahman’s embrace of diversity. The album features a mesmerising array of musical genres, ranging from traditional Indian folk to electronic, qawwali, and even Middle Eastern influences. This eclectic blend of sounds showcased Rahman’s ability to seamlessly weave together different cultural threads, reflecting the film’s themes of love, conflict, and connection.

Breaking Language Barriers

A.R. Rahman’s genius lies not only in his composition but also in his knack for transcending linguistic barriers. The Dil Se soundtrack consists of songs in multiple languages, including Hindi, Malayalam and Urdu. This linguistic diversity resonated with audiences across India and beyond, making the album accessible to a wider global audience. The iconic Jiya Jale, sung by Lata Mangeshkar, remains a testament to Rahman’s ability to create a song that touches hearts regardless of the language spoken.

Redefining Lyricism

The lyrical beauty of Dil Se adds an extra layer of depth to the album. Gulzar’s poetic prowess shines through in every song, enhancing the emotional impact of the music. Whether it’s the soul-stirring Chaiyya Chaiyya that captures the spirit of joyous celebration on a moving train, or the hauntingly beautiful Ae Ajnabi, each song’s lyrics perfectly complement Rahman’s compositions, creating a harmonious synergy that transcends the boundaries of traditional Bollywood music.

Impact on Indian Music

Dil Se not only left an indelible mark on the world of Bollywood but also had a profound impact on the Indian music industry as a whole. The album’s experimental approach and innovative soundscapes inspired a new generation of musicians and composers to think beyond conventional norms. Rahman’s ability to seamlessly fuse classical Indian melodies with modern electronic beats showcased the potential of blending tradition with innovation.