Animal (2023)

Animal (2023) Movie Review: Ranbir Kapoor's Brutal, Bold, and Emotional Transformation

Theatrical Release Poster 

Genre: Psychological action-drama

Star: Ranbir Kapoor as Arjun Singh

Theme: Father-son trauma, emotional neglect, suppressed rage

Director: Sandeep Reddy Vanga

Highlight: Ranbir's transformation into a violent yet emotionally broken man

Deleted scenes: Lion cage, forest hunt, Freddy's full arc (may come in OTT version)

Symbolism: Axe = primal revenge, haircut = cleansing, colors = emotions

Music: Deeply emotional, connects with character arcs

Verdict: Bold, layered, disturbing, unforgettable

Rating: 4.5/5

Introduction:

"Animal" (2023), directed by the bold and controversial Sandeep Reddy Vanga, is a psychological action-drama that cuts deep into the roots of trauma, suppressed masculinity, and the emotional chaos that stems from parental neglect. Unlike any other Bollywood film in recent memory, "Animal" explores what happens when love is replaced by silence, and affection is substituted by emotional void. With Ranbir Kapoor delivering his career’s most emotionally turbulent performance, this film is a cinematic punch to the gut.

This is not just a movie review — this is a breakdown of layers, symbols, hidden meanings, and untold truths about this masterpiece. Read on for exclusive insights into deleted scenes, real-life inspirations, and cinematic craftsmanship that only a few have dared to decode.

Complete Plot Summary:

The story follows Arjun Singh (Ranbir Kapoor), a young boy starved for his father's love. His father Balbir Singh (Anil Kapoor) is a cold, strict, emotionally unavailable industrialist whose expectations of perfection crush the emotional freedom of his son. Arjun grows up misunderstood, unloved, and broken. Every unspoken word from his father, every missed hug, and every cold stare chips away at Arjun’s identity.

The suppressed love turns into internal rage as Arjun becomes a man. When his family is attacked by an unknown enemy, Arjun unleashes his inner animal — a violent, fearless, and emotionally shattered version of himself. But this transformation doesn’t come without consequence. Amid the chaos, Arjun’s emotional anchor is Geetanjali (Rashmika Mandanna), whose unconditional love keeps him from losing his soul entirely.

Character Analysis:

Arjun Singh (Ranbir Kapoor): Ranbir doesn’t just act — he becomes Arjun. His portrayal shifts between childlike vulnerability and terrifying rage. Every glance, every scream, every tear is real. His pain is not cinematic; it is raw, relatable, and deeply disturbing. Ranbir's performance is layered with subtle tics, broken smiles, and explosive outbursts that make Arjun an unforgettable character.

Balbir Singh (Anil Kapoor): A man who thinks love is weakness. His silence is toxic. Anil Kapoor's quiet strength portrays how emotionally distant parenting can deform a child’s psychology. Balbir is not a villain — he’s a tragic byproduct of generational trauma.

Geetanjali (Rashmika Mandanna): Rashmika plays the emotional anchor in Arjun’s storm. Her presence offers warmth in a cold world. She portrays patience, empathy, and feminine strength that doesn’t scream but soothes. Her emotional chemistry with Ranbir is crucial to humanizing Arjun.

Freddy (Triptii Dimri): Triptii’s role, though brief, symbolizes Arjun’s temptations — the parts of him that crave destruction masked as desire. She represents the crossroads of chaos and lust.

Direction, Screenplay & Vanga's Unspoken Vision:

Sandeep Reddy Vanga doesn't make films — he creates emotional battlefields. His direction is not for the faint-hearted. With "Animal," he questions Indian masculinity, parenting, and how silence can kill louder than violence.

Vanga's choice to make the film's title Animal is symbolic — not about wildness, but about how society's emotional neglect turns humans into instinct-driven creatures. His screenplay is non-linear and poetic, blending intense emotional beats with bursts of violence.

Symbolism in the Film:

The Axe: Arjun’s choice of weapon isn’t random. It’s primal, ancient — a symbol of vengeance. It cuts not just enemies but symbolic ties to a painful past.

Hair Cutting Scene: The act of Geetanjali cutting Arjun’s hair is symbolic of cleansing, restarting, taming the wild within.

The School Flashback: Young Arjun standing alone as his father walks away shows the seed of all future violence.

Color Palettes: Blue shades during isolation, red during rage, white in moments of inner peace — used masterfully to show mood.

Deleted and Unseen Scenes:

Several scenes from the trailer didn’t make it to the final cut:

1. The Lion Cage Scene: Symbolic of Arjun facing his primal self. The lion possibly represents his father — silent, powerful, terrifying.

2. Forest Night Hunt: Seen in the teaser — possibly a metaphorical journey into his subconscious. Could’ve been a dream sequence revealing Arjun’s fear of losing control.

3. Extended Freddy Sequence: Rumors suggest there were deeper dialogues between Arjun and Freddy showcasing the darker temptations Arjun nearly gives in to.

These scenes, reportedly removed for pacing or certification reasons, may appear in the OTT version or extended cut.

Music & Emotional Score:

Songs like "Satranga" and "Hua Main" aren’t just musical interludes — they narrate Arjun’s emotional state. The background score pulsates during action and whispers during emotional scenes, creating a full-circle experience. Harshavardhan Rameshwar's composition ensures the film speaks even in silence.

Audience Reaction & Cultural Conversations:

The film has polarized viewers. Youth see it as a rebellion against toxic parenting. Critics question its glorification of violence. Feminists critique Geetanjali’s portrayal as overly sacrificial.

Yet, everyone agrees — the film dares to address issues Bollywood usually avoids. It reflects a toxic trait seen in many Indian families: emotional starvation from fathers.

Social & Psychological Impact:

"Animal" forces audiences to ask hard questions:

Why do Indian fathers struggle to say “I love you”?

How does unspoken trauma evolve over generations?

Can love heal rage, or does rage consume love?

The film becomes a mirror for society — uncomfortable, brutal, but needed.

Visuals & Cinematography:

Each frame is a painting of inner chaos. Cinematographer Amit Roy uses shadows, cold lights, and handheld shots to drag viewers into Arjun’s mental maze. The transitions from soft to intense visuals echo Arjun’s transformation.

Final Verdict:

"Animal" is a powerful, uncomfortable, and important film. Ranbir Kapoor shatters his romantic hero image. Sandeep Reddy Vanga delivers a cinematic explosion. It’s not perfect — but its imperfections make it real.

If you're looking for a film that challenges emotions, provokes thought, and delivers high-octane action with a broken heart at its center — "Animal" is a must-watch.

Rating: 4.5/5