Vikas Divyakriti Criticizes Ranbir Kapoor's "Animal" for Setting Society Back
Vikas Divyakriti, known for his role in "12th Fail," has expressed strong disapproval of Ranbir Kapoor's recent film "Animal." According to Divyakriti, the film negatively impacts societal progress. Despite its commercial success, "Animal," directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and featuring a prominent cast including Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna, has faced mixed reviews and considerable criticism for its portrayal and themes.
Divyakriti's Concerns About "Animal"
In an interview with journalist Neelesh Misra, Divyakriti articulated his concerns about the film's influence on society, suggesting it could lead to regressive attitudes. "A film like this should not be made. You earned money. You showed that your hero behaves like an animal," Divyakriti explained, emphasizing the need for films to carry social value beyond just financial success.
One particular scene that Divyakriti highlighted involves Kapoor's character demanding a demeaning act from Triptii Dimri's character, which he fears might inspire similar disrespectful behaviors among impressionable viewers. "What if young men with a feudal mindset, who are immature, think it's acceptable to test their girlfriend’s love in such a derogatory way?" he questioned.
Box Office and Cultural Impact
"Animal" has been a box office hit, grossing over Rs 532.77 crore across various languages in India, and was one of the top-grossing films of 2023. Released on December 1, 2023, it competed with "Sam Bahadur," starring Vicky Kaushal, Sanya Malhotra, and Fatima Sana Shaikh.
On the other hand, Divyakriti's own film, "12th Fail," which stars Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankar, also achieved success both in theaters and on Disney+ Hotstar, resonating well with audiences.
Divyakriti's criticism of "Animal" underscores a larger debate within the film industry about the responsibility filmmakers have to society, especially concerning the themes and behaviors depicted in mainstream cinema.