Sandeep Reddy Vanga's "Animal," released in 2023, assembles a powerhouse cast featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol,Rashmika Mandanna and Tripti Dimri. With Vanga at the helm, renowned for his bold storytelling and provocative statements, the film creates anticipation for a cinematic experience that promises intensity and emotion. Let's talk more about the movie.

Summary: At its core, "Animal" revolves around Vijay (Ranbir Kapoor), a character yearning for his father's (Anil Kapoor) affection. The narrative takes a dark turn when Vijay's father becomes the target of a brutal attack, propelling him into a relentless pursuit of revenge. Drawing inspiration from "The Godfather," the film unfolds as a testosterone-fueled saga, marked by bloodshed but lacking the psychological depth that defined its iconic predecessor.

Likes and Dislikes: The exploration of familial bonds and the extremes individuals go to safeguard their legacy is an intriguing concept. However, the film falters in delivering a meaningful purpose behind Vijay's actions, leaving the audience with a protagonist seemingly lacking a clear cause. The toxic portrayal of masculinity and problematic relationships, particularly with Geetanjali (Rashmika Mandanna), introduces unsettling elements into the narrative. Despite these flaws, Ranbir Kapoor's performance stands out, injecting life and intensity into the film with his captivating portrayal of Vijay.

Actor Performances: Ranbir Kapoor's magnetic presence dominates the screen, infusing Vijay with raw sex appeal and unmatched intensity. He successfully navigates the complexities of the character, turning Vijay into a figure seething with rage and unpredictability. Anil Kapoor, in confrontational scenes, delivers an excellent performance that adds depth to the film. Bobby Deol, though menacing in his portrayal, finds himself underutilized, and the talented Rashmika Mandanna is unfortunately relegated to a submissive role. Her Hindi dialogues, at times, prove challenging for the audience to comprehend.

Verdict: "Animal" heavily relies on Ranbir Kapoor's talent and star power, and rightfully so. His captivating portrayal elevates the film, even as it grapples with a lack of purpose in storytelling. The narrative shortcomings are evident, but Ranbir Kapoor's remarkable acting prowess deserves commendation. In its essence, "Animal" becomes a platform for showcasing Kapoor's brilliance but falls short of delivering a compelling and purposeful narrative.

In conclusion, the film offers a showcase of exceptional acting talent but fails to provide a deeper exploration of character motivations and relationships. While the cinematic experience is heightened by intense confrontations and captivating performances, a more substantial narrative would have transformed "Animal" from an all-style-no-substance family drama into an engaging dialogue.

Star Rating: 3/5

IMDB Rating: 7.5/10