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Javed Akhtar Calls Out Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal, Terms Its Success ‘Khatarnak’: Ek Bahut Badi Zimmedari Cinema
Javed Akhtar reacts to the success of Animal: Ranbir Kapoor's revenge-crime drama Animal became a major blockbuster last year, despite all the criticism surrounding it. One of the most debatable films of recent times, Animal, was slammed for the portrayal of alpha males, toxic masculinity, violence, and other disturbing themes.
Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Animal was called out by many in the film industry as well. And recently, veteran lyricist and former screenwriter Javed Akhtar too has made scathing comments on the film's success and how it is problematic.
Javed Akhtar reacts to Animal success
Javed Akhtar, who was speaking at the 9th edition of the Ajanta Ellora International Film Festival (AIFF), criticised Animal and termed its success dangerous. Addressing the event, Akhtar pointed out that it's not the makers but the audience who should also be held responsible for the success of Animal.
Talking about the controversial Ranbir and Triptii's 'lick my shoe' scene from the movie, the veteran lyricist said in Hindi, "Agar koi film jis mein ek aadmi ek aurat se kahe ki 'tu mere joote chhat'. Agar ek aadmi kahe ki 'aurat ko thappad maar dene mein kya kharabi hai', woh picture super-duper hit ho, toh yeh badi khatarnak baat hai'".
He further cited an example of a popular song, Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai, that featured Madhuri Dixit from the 1993 film Khal Nayak. He then stated that the viewers should decide what type of content they want to watch and reject.
He added, "Log mujhe bolne lage hai ki 'Saab aaj-kal kaise gaane hone lage hai'. Gaane toh 6-7 aadmi mil ke banate hai. Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai, ek aadmi ne likha, do aadmi ne compose kiya, 2 ladkiyon ne dance kiya, ek cameraman ne shoot kiya. Yeh 8-10 log thodi problem hai. Problem yeh hai ki yeh gaana samaj mein superhit ho gaya tha. Yeh crore logon ko aacha laga tha. Yeh hume darr lagta hai."
Concluding his thoughts, Javed said, "Ek bahut badi zimmedari cinema banane walon se zyada, cinema dekhne walo ki hai. Yeh aapki zimmedari hai. Yeh aap tai kijiye ki kaisi filmein banegi, aur kaisi filmein nahi banegi. Humari filmein mein kya sanskar honge kya values hongi, kya morality hogi, aur kisse reject karnege. Yeh faisla aapko karna hai."
Animal, released on December 1, 2023, went on to earn Rs 896 crore worldwide. The film also stars Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor, and Bobby Deol in key roles.
