The colossal success of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Animal’ in 2023, starring Ranbir Kapoor, has sparked varied conversations within the film industry and among audiences. Grossing nearly Rs 900 crore globally, the film’s triumphant box office performance stands in contrast to the substantial criticism it faced for its portrayal of misogyny and toxic masculinity.
Among those offering commentary is Javed Akhtar, an esteemed screenwriter, lyricist, and a prominent figure in Indian cinema. At the 9th Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Akhtar shared his concerns about the messaging perpetuated in films like ‘Animal’ that achieve significant success.
In his observations, Akhtar emphasized the responsibility of crafting heroic images in cinema with a profound awareness of ethical and moral values. He highlighted the confusion prevailing in society, asserting that cinema often reflects this societal ambiguity. Akhtar pointed to the shifting dynamics in depicting characters from the poor being good and the rich being bad to the prevalent aspiration for wealth and success mirrored in cinema.
Referencing scenes in ‘Animal’ where disturbing elements unfold, such as a man asking a woman to lick his shoe, Akhtar raised the critical issue of glorification of objectionable actions in films. He underlined the inherent danger in celebrating such narratives that normalize violence or degradation against women, stating that the responsibility now falls on the audience to discern and reject such content.
Akhtar’s reflections prompt a pivotal question about audience responsibility in shaping the cinematic landscape. He accentuated the critical role audiences play in determining the success or failure of films. While acknowledging the presence of filmmakers producing quality content, he stressed the significance of audiences’ choices in shaping the fate of cinema.
Critics, like The Indian Express’ Shubhra Gupta, have pointed out the film’s narrative shortcomings, suggesting that ‘Animal’ veered off course after a promising start, indicating missed potential if it had concluded earlier.
Javed Akhtar’s commentary serves as a crucial reminder of the impact and responsibility associated with storytelling in cinema, urging audiences to be discerning and conscientious in their choices, ultimately steering the direction of cinematic narratives and their societal implications.
Aastha Kumari