Anurag Kashyap says Ranbir Kapoor's 'Animal' has taught people feminism

Celebrated filmmaker says Sandeep Reddy Vanga's film has created more discussion around misogyny than any other film

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has shared his two cents on the ongoing divisive debate regarding Sandeep Reddy Vanga's latest offering, Animal. The Ranbir Kapoor-starrer has been a topic of discussion since its release for its misogynistic narrative, unwarranted vulgarity and problematic portrayal of alpha males. 

Anurag, who has several hit films under his name, recently shared his thoughts about the amassing numbers of the film and what it shows. He told OTT Play, “You cannot force responsibility on anyone. People take responsibility for themselves or they don’t. How many people went and watched a film that you considered to be feminist? Only a handful of people watch them and underline if it was a real feminist film or a pseudo-feminist film."

The Gangs of Wasseypur filmmaker added, "A film like Animal has galvanised more feminists in this country than any other feminist film. It has created more discussion around misogyny than any other film. So it is doing something good.”

In a rather shocking statement, Anurag further added that most people were taught feminism because of Animal. "You need a provocateur in a society for people to understand. More people were taught feminism because of Animal and the discussions around it. Why are you scared of a provocateur?" the director said. 

"We are educated and learned people. Why are we afraid of someone who provokes us? I think being provoked is a good thing. I have always tried to make films to make people uncomfortable, as a filmmaker. When I made Ugly, I wanted people to go back and not sleep that night," he said.

Anurag was then inquired how conducive is India for liberal filmmakers. "Everything will always coexist," the director shared. "I feel as a filmmaker when I make a film, I will have to find my way to say what I want to say and how I say it. I always say that it is a global problem… It is very difficult to speak up politically – everywhere."

He went on, "Look at Hollywood na… So many actors have been dropped from the film because they were pro-Palestine. But people are still making films, people are still taking a stand, and people are fighting for their stands. There will be their opposition also. Ideas will coexist. Freedom of speech is not just for us. It’s for everyone. It’s for ‘them’ (who don’t agree with us) also. If you have a problem with that, get into a dialogue."

Animal, featuring the son of late superstar Rishi Kapoor, hit the screens on December 1 and despite facing initial criticism on social media, managed to open to packed theatres.

In an interview last week, Anurag shared how filmmakers should not be scrutinised. The Ugly filmmaker, who had not watched the film then, said, "I’m yet to watch Animal. I just returned from Marrakech. But I’m aware of the conversations happening online. Nobody has the right to tell a filmmaker what kind of films they should and shouldn’t make."

He added, "People in this country get easily offended with films. They get offended by my films too. But I expect educated people to not get offended at the drop of a hat."

The climax of Animal was particularly noteworthy, featuring Ranbir's portrayal of the character Vijay, who exhibited a level of menace and ruthlessness that left a lasting impression. However, Sandeep teased audiences with the introduction of a bloodier and bulkier version of Vijay, named Aziz, played once again by Ranbir. 

In a surprising twist, Aziz, a professional butcher seeking revenge for his brother's death, undergoes plastic surgery to resemble Vijay, setting the stage for a showdown between the two characters. The film's climax left audiences on the edge of their seats, tantalising them with the prospect of Animal Park and the emergence of even more formidable characters alongside Ranbir's compelling portrayal. 

Furthermore, with Animal already raking in impressive numbers at the box office, the path appears to be clear for the director to unfold Animal Park, thus expanding upon the cinematic universe he has carefully crafted.

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