The latest Bollywood sensation, “Animal,” featuring the powerhouse trio of Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, and Rashmika Mandanna, has stormed into theaters, breaking into the coveted 100-crore club within just two days. However, despite its initial triumph at the box office, the film directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga seems to be losing its roar as it meanders into an overextended and bewildering narrative.

A Promising Start that Fizzles Out

“Animal” begins with a promising trajectory, hurtling towards the midpoint with breakneck speed. However, if the film had concluded at the interval, it might have left a more profound impact. Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his movies centered around male protagonists, introduces us to a character grappling with profound daddy issues this time around.

Excesses Galore: Length, Violence, and Drama

As the narrative unfolds, “Animal” bombards the audience with a surplus of everything – excessive length, gratuitous violence, misplaced love, toxic obsession, and shrill drama designed to induce trauma. Written, directed, and edited by Vanga himself, the film rarely pauses for a breath, dominating the screen with an unsettling father-son dynamic. The older man’s wife attempts to break through the cacophony occasionally, but her efforts are consistently stifled by her husband. On the other hand, the son’s wife is drowned in vacuous verbiage, contributing little of substance to the narrative.

Powerful Performances Amidst Problematic Foundations

Despite the commendable performances by Ranbir Kapoor and Anil Kapoor, the film’s problematic foundation overshadows their efforts. The narrative takes a disturbing turn when the protagonist, Ranvijay Singh, played by Ranbir Kapoor, takes matters into his own hands. The movie attempts to justify his actions, portraying him as a man justified in his boorish behavior, supposedly defending his family against imminent threats.

Endurance Test: A Three-and-a-Half-Hour Assault

The film’s three and a half hours become a test of endurance as it unfolds into an all-encompassing assault on the senses. “Animal” tries to sell the idea that it’s acceptable for a son to go berserk in protecting his family, providing flimsy excuses for a character in dire need of psychiatric care.

Love in the Midst of Chaos: Unsettling Dynamics

Even in matters of love, the protagonist shows no restraint, making a forceful claim rather than a romantic proposal. The female lead, Geetanjali (Rashmika Mandanna), appears powerless and devoid of any agency, accepting the protagonist’s domineering actions without objection.

Villains and Vengeance: A Typical Saga Unfolds

The movie introduces a villain, played by Bobby Deol, much later in the story, further escalating the blood feud. The clash between the protagonist and antagonist unfolds in a typical vengeance saga fashion, culminating in a climactic confrontation on an airstrip.

Reinforcing Stereotypes: Impaired Characters and Toxic Masculinity

Notably, the film seems to reinforce gender stereotypes by presenting physically impaired characters as mentally scarred men, emphasizing a skewed portrayal of masculinity. The justification for the protagonist’s actions revolves around the desire to gain his father’s attention, reinforcing the notion that it’s a man’s world.

A Glimmer of Positivity: Background Music

If there’s anything positive to glean from this exhausting cinematic experience, it’s the background music. The gratuitously gory action sequences are juxtaposed with folk songs, providing a contrasting and somewhat salvaging element to an otherwise forgettable film.

Audience Reactions: Mixed Reviews and Controversy

Despite initial positive responses and the film entering the 100-crore club, audience reactions on social media reveal a divided opinion. Some applaud the performances and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, while others criticize the film for its misogyny and problematic portrayal of characters.

Conclusion: A Wild Ride Gone Awry

In conclusion, “Animal” might have initially roared into the box office, but its lackluster plot, excessive runtime, and questionable narrative choices make it a wild ride gone awry. Ranbir Kapoor’s stellar performance can only do so much to salvage a film that struggles to find a coherent purpose. As the audience exits the theater, the lingering question remains: What was all that deadening din about? The film, despite its initial success, raises concerns about the direction of Bollywood storytelling and the portrayal of relationships and masculinity on the big screen.