The global box office recently welcomed the arrival of the ambitious Bollywood action-drama Animal, marking its release on the largest number of U.S. screens for a Hindi-language film. Despite its promising start and intense lead performance, the film struggles to live up to its potential due to the controversial real-world context surrounding its writer-director, Sandeep Reddy Vanga. This is becoming a recurrent issue in his films, as he is known for his controversial portrayals of misogynistic characters and flippant comments about domestic abuse.

The plot begins in 2056 with an aging lead character, Vijay, portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor, reminiscing about his family’s conglomerate, Swastik Steel. The story then shifts to the present day and delves into Vijay’s troubled relationship with his father. The film unfolds and reveals the protagonist’s unchanging behavior and his struggles with his unresolved daddy issues.

Family Dynamics and Character Development

The story introduces family and business dynamics, drawing parallels to The Godfather’s iconic opening wedding sequence. It portrays Vijay as a spoiled and insolent brat who is entangled in his family’s complex dynamics, leading to conflict and violence.

The film quickly establishes a vicious undercurrent, especially in the way Vijay treats the women around him. His controlling and aggressive behavior escalates, creating a tense and unsettling atmosphere, as the film delves deeper into his character.

Action Sequences and Cinematic Maximalism

The film takes an unexpected turn with a dramatic physical transformation of the lead character and promises cinematic maximalism. It presents stunning action scenes, complete with an entourage of gun-toting cousins and an hour of flashy back-to-back action sequences. The film’s over-the-top structure highlights the changes in Vijay’s character and builds up to an excessive crescendo.

However, as the film progresses, it becomes convoluted and loses itself in the relentless exploration of toxic masculinity and provocations that may alienate some viewers.

The movie, despite its promising elements, struggles to maintain momentum and fulfill its potential, leaving audiences with conflicting feelings about the overall viewing experience.