Ranbir Kapoor Addresses Backlash for ‘Animal’ Amid Criticism of Misogyny: “Industry Peers Expressed Disappointment

Ziya Khan July 28, 2024Last Updated: July 28, 2024

Ranbir Kapoor has openly addressed the polarizing reception to his recent blockbuster, Animal. The film, helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, sparked a heated debate upon its release, with differing opinions from critics and audiences regarding its portrayal of masculinity and violence. In the latest episode of “People by WTF,” host Nikhil Kamath engages in a conversation with Ranbir Kapoor, delving into his personal and professional life, discussing milestones, challenges, and surprising commonalities between the two. During the interview, Kapoor candidly shared the emotional toll the film’s aftermath had on him. While Animal emerged as a tremendous commercial success, solidifying Kapoor’s position as a leading Bollywood star, its content faced notable criticism, particularly concerning the depiction of women.“

I was scared when I first heard the story,” admitted Kapoor. The actor explained his desire to break free from his “good boy” image, and Animal provided an opportunity to showcase a different facet of his acting abilities. However, the film’s controversial themes resulted in a mixed reception, with some praising Kapoor’s performance while others vehemently criticized the overall tone of the movie. Agreeing with the host’s statement that society should not derive morality solely from movies, Kapoor stated, “That was the intention, but it was misconstrued.”Kapoor further expressed how social media played a significant role in exacerbating the situation. He noted that people needed something to discuss, leading them to label the film as misogynistic.

Kapoor highlighted that such labels can overshadow the hard work put into a project, as happened with Kabir Singh, another film directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The perception created by these labels persists, even though the general public speaks highly of the film. Kapoor shared instances where people expressed disappointment, saying, “You shouldn’t have done this film; we are so disappointed in you.”The backlash against Animal was not limited to the general public.

Kapoor revealed that he also faced disappointment from within the industry, with several colleagues expressing their disapproval of his choice. “A lot of people from the film industry told me they were disappointed in me,” he shared. Although he may not agree with them, Kapoor quietly apologizes and assures them that he won’t repeat such a role in the future.