“Animal” Review “Ranbir Kapoor’s psychotic act, Lord Bobby’s menacing act along with a brutal narrative, puts this film in a different category.”

In the cinematic realm of Animal, Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s distinct style is evident, reminiscent of his debut film, Arjun Reddy, which became a cult classic. This time, “Animal” centers around the hero’s love for his father, steering away from the conventional love story. Keep in mind, this film is brutal and not for the faint hearted. It is rough and tough, and doesn’t even pretend to hide it. Instead it is all in your face, and quite frankly, something you would expect from a film written and directed by Sandeep Reddy.

The hero’s journey into bloodshed, fueled by love and familial bonds, takes a violent and relentless turn as he ages. While revenge stories about father-son relationships are not uncommon, Animal unleashes a primal, beastly aspect of a man driven by his love for his father. Vanga’s bold and daring narration sets the film apart, infusing a certain swagger that works in its favor.

The first half, a wild ride lasting over an hour and a half, delivers an exhilarating experience. However, the tempo wanes after the intermission, with some sequences dragging on. Despite our appreciation for Vanga’s compelling narrative, certain sequences and dialogues leave us with a sense of dissatisfaction. There a certain moments that genuinely feel over the top, however it seems less unintentional and more so intentional, even if bizarre.

Ranbir Kapoor takes the lead, delivering an outstanding performance that anchors the film from inception to closure. Fearlessly embracing daring scenes, Kapoor’s charismatic presence holds the audience captive. He takes the film up a few notches. You can’t really imagine anyone else playing this role. Somehow you are reminded of Sanjay Dutt from his “Vastav” days.

The rest give ample support to the film. Anil Kapoor seamlessly fits into the role of the father, bringing a fantastic dynamic to the narrative. The forceful evil, portrayed by Bobby Deol, serves as a stark contrast to the hero’s madness. Deol’s final fight sequence delivers a knockout punch, adding a powerful dimension to the storyline. Rashmika Mandanna, in a robust character, delivers a convincing performance that resonates. Her portrayal encompasses both strength and vulnerability, coupled with intimate scenes that intensify the film’s emotional landscape. Tripti Dimri, portraying a bold character, adds another layer to the ensemble cast.

The cinematography in Animal stands out, capturing the essence of the narrative with precision. The music and background score, a significant asset, reflect Sandeep Vanga’s adeptness in using music to enhance storytelling. The editing is crisp in the first half, and slows down in the second half, much like the screenplay itself. This is not necessarily a bad thing since every aspect of filmmaking needs to accompany each other.

Overall, if you like revenge films or films that are driven by a certain level of angst, bordering on psychotic, then this is for you. Broadly speaking, it is a well-made film with a few hiccups here and there.

Rating ***