Box Office vs. Values: The Animal Paradox

By Sarayu Yenumula | March 2024

Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal (2023) has not only shattered box office records but has emerged as a point of controversy, spurring debates over its portrayal of gender dynamics and societal norms. 

In a world where cinema holds significant power in shaping public perceptions and societal values, the success of a film carries with it the potential to influence millions. However, the anticipation surrounding a high-grossing film like Animal requires an analysis of the ideologies it endorses. Despite its commercial success, Animal presents a narrative that is praised for all the wrong reasons, revealing a troubling disconnect between box office popularity and the advancement of progressive values.

The film introduces us to the protagonist, Ranvijay Singh, who embodies the toxic alpha-male archetype. He attempts to woo the heroine, Geetanjali, with arguments steeped in patriarchal ideology, suggesting that she needs saving from men by a macho man like him. He also says that poetry was invented by weaker men to reclaim their lost women from alpha males. Furthermore, he makes a comment on her “wide pelvis, suitable for healthy babies” which not only objectifies her but also reduces her value to her reproductive capabilities, perpetuating problematic gender norms. This was all presented in just one scene.

Another particularly jarring moment occurs when Ranvijay, in a bid for comedic relief, makes a derogatory comment towards Geetanjali, comparing her menstrual cycle to his injury in a manner that is both insensitive and crass. He says to her, “You change 4 pads a month and create drama over it, here I am changing 50 in a day.”  Intended to elicit laughter, this dialogue instead exposes a disturbing insensitivity towards individuals who menstruate and their experiences, further complicating the film's ignorant and problematic stance on gender relations.

At its core, Animal attempts to explore themes of familial loyalty and the lengths one might go to protect loved ones. Ironically, the film's narrative undermines these themes through the protagonist's actions, which sow chaos in the very relationships he claims to cherish. For instance, Ranvijay cheats on Geethanjali in the name of his father’s love and when she questions him for it, he says, “Geethanjali, you forgave me for so many murders. Can’t you forgive me for sleeping with one woman?” This was just one example of the film normalizing infidelity, domestic violence, and misogyny, presenting them as aspects of the protagonist's twisted love for his family. 

The film's problematic portrayal of women is further compounded by director Vanga's public statements. Vanga's pride in his work's vulgarity and his dismissive attitude towards criticisms of misogyny are alarming. 

In an interview with Film Companion, Vanga said, “When you are deeply in love and deeply connected to a woman (and vice versa), if you don’t have the liberty of slapping each other, then I don’t see anything there.” 

After a 2023 promotional event for Animal in Dallas, Texas, Vanga said, “What I like about this crowd is that I didn’t hear any questions on misogyny. I’m so happy, you are the right crowd. You saw Animal as a film.”

Vanga’s celebration of the absence of questions regarding the film's misogynistic content reveals a blatant endorsement of the toxic masculinity portrayed in Animal. 

While I firmly support creative freedom and oppose censorship, I cannot condone the romanticization and normalization of toxic ideologies in mainstream cinema. Films like Animal, watched by millions globally, have the power to influence perceptions and behaviors, particularly among those who may not realize the necessity to critically analyze such content. Directors bear a responsibility to understand the impact of their work. Creating provocative content should not come at the expense of promoting harmful stereotypes and behaviors. Filmmakers must recognize the weight of their influence and strive to create art that challenges, rather than perpetuates, destructive societal norms.