Sandeep Reddy Vanga's latest action-packed thriller, "Animal," has soared to impressive heights at the box office, amassing a staggering ₹563.3 crore in its inaugural week worldwide. However, the film's success has been marred by a parliamentary discussion sparked by Congress Rajya Sabha MP Ranjeet Ranjan, who vehemently criticized the movie for its portrayal of violence and misogyny.
In a session at the Upper House of Parliament, Ranjan voiced her concerns about the film's impact on viewers, particularly young audiences, citing personal experiences. "My daughter and other children were disturbed, leaving the theatre midway due to the film's shameful glorification of violence and misogyny," she highlighted.
Ranjan further spotlighted the contentious 'Arjan Vailly' song, which has gained immense popularity but has also faced scrutiny for its perceived offensiveness. The BJP's use of this song during recent celebratory events triggered additional criticism, with Ranjan asserting that the song's depiction of gang warfare was offensive, given its historical connection to Arjan Singh Nalwa, a revered figure in Sikh history known for his bravery.
"Animal" has been a lightning rod for controversy, drawing flak for its portrayal of misogyny and explicit violence, even as it boasts a star-studded cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor, and Rashmika Mandanna. Despite the mixed reviews upon its release last week, the film continues to vie for box office supremacy, facing competition from Meghna Gulzar's "Sam Bahadur."
The movie delves into the intricacies of a toxic father-son relationship within the backdrop of crime and the underworld. Garnering an 'A' certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) ahead of its debut, "Animal" is a collaborative production by Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar's T-Series, Murad Khetani's Cine1 Studios, and Pranay Reddy Vanga's Bhadrakali Pictures.
As "Animal" thrives at the box office amid debates over its content, the film's polarizing themes and reception continue to fuel discussions about the influence of cinema on societal norms and perceptions.
