Sandeep Reddy Vanga Claps Back at Javed Akhtar’s Criticism of “Animal”
Renowned filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga finds himself at the center of a heated debate following veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar’s recent remarks regarding his latest film “Animal.” Akhtar labeled films like “Animal” as ‘dangerous,’ sparking a public exchange between the two prominent figures in the Indian film industry.
In response to Akhtar’s criticism, Sandeep Reddy Vanga didn’t hold back, suggesting that Akhtar should first scrutinize his own son Farhan Akhtar’s production, the hit OTT series “Mirzapur.” Sandeep pointed out the series’ abundant use of abusive language, implying that Akhtar’s critique lacked consistency and thoroughness.
Expressing his disappointment, Sandeep highlighted the apparent disconnect between Akhtar’s comments and the reality of “Animal.” He emphasized that Akhtar’s criticism seemed uninformed, as it suggested that the veteran lyricist hadn’t even watched the film in its entirety before passing judgment.
Sandeep’s retort shed light on the broader issue of accountability in criticism, urging individuals to examine their own surroundings before casting aspersions on works of art. He questioned why Akhtar had not addressed similar concerns with his son’s work, particularly considering the explicit content present in “Mirzapur.”
“Animal,” directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, has been a subject of controversy since its release. Despite mixed reviews from critics and audiences, the film emerged as one of the highest-earning films of 2023, grossing over ₹900 crore worldwide. Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor, and Triptii Dimri, the film’s success has sparked discussions about its portrayal of misogyny and violence.
Javed Akhtar’s criticism of “Animal” centered around a controversial scene involving Ranbir Kapoor’s character, Ranvijay, demanding that Triptii Dimri’s character, Zoya, lick his shoe as a sign of her love. Akhtar also alluded to the normalization of violence against women, reminiscent of Sandeep’s previous film “Kabir Singh,” starring Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani.
As the debate rages on, Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s impassioned defense of “Animal” underscores the complexities surrounding artistic expression and societal critique within the Indian film industry.
