Discover the raw intensity and familial complexities in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s “Animal.” We caught the early morning 7 AM show in Delhi, and it was nothing short of a blockbuster experience.
Viewer Discretion Advised: A-rated Drama
Before diving into the review, a quick heads-up – “Animal” is rated A, featuring intense violence, explicit language, and intimate scenes.
The Premise
“Animal” unfolds as a gripping Family Action Drama, unraveling the intricate layers of a father-son relationship amidst the chaos of life.
A Phenomenal Start
The film opens with young Ranbir, delivering an initial performance that might raise a few eyebrows. However, exceptional writing turns every scene into a visual treat. The non-linear screenplay takes multiple timeline shifts in the first half, adding an enticing layer to the storytelling.
Cinematic Marvel: The First Half
The non-linear screenplay in the initial half is meticulously crafted, keeping boredom at bay. Ranbir’s evolution as Ranvijay Singh is accompanied by exceptional acting. The highlight is the iconic Arjan Saily song and a hotel corridor fight sequence that demands applause.
Character Quirks: A Few Missteps
Setting aside the cringe-worthy acting of the Jeeja character and peculiar newspaper-reading dialogue delivery, the first half stands as a cinematic marvel.
Second Half: The Pace Drops
The second half encounters a slight speed bump as the pace slows down. It feels like the writer was changed. Thanks to impeccable direction the film manages to retain its grip despite the poor editing.
Just as you start to lose hope, the real “Animal” steps in – Bobby Deol! Even with a limited screen time of 15-20 minutes, he becomes the film’s soul. His introduction sequence at the wedding is extraordinary, and out of the ordinary.
The climax featuring Bobby Deol is intense, and the concluding scene – the conversation between Ranbir and Anil Kapoor – tugs at the heartstrings, emotionally charged.
Special Heads-Up: Stick around for the post-credit scene; it’s phenomenal!
Final Verdict: An Impressive Blockbuster
In summary, the film is impressive. The second half experiences a slight slowdown, but the final 30-40 minutes and Bobby Deol’s powerhouse performance come to the rescue. Ranbir’s acting is commendable but inconsistent, with its share of highs and lows. Rashmika performs decently, and Anil Kapoor is a phenomenal force.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s writing, especially in the first half, deserves accolades. The direction is praiseworthy, while the editing could have been tighter, we firmly believe this film is destined to be a blockbuster.
