Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Ranbir Kapoor-starrer ‘Animal’ has reportedly grossed over Rs 900 crores worldwide. While it continues to rope in people, it has been criticised by a section of people for its glorification of misogynistic, violent characters. Now, in a recent interview, actress Taapsee Pannu has weighed in on the film’s success and why she would never have done such a movie.
When asked about the movie, she said that even though she has not watched it, she “has a take on it.” She said, “Lot of people told me too much about it. Look, I am not an extremist, so I agree to disagree to a lot of people... don't compare it to Hollywood and say 'If you liked Gone Girl, how can you not like Animal'? You are catering to a different audience. In Hollywood, people don't start copying actors' hairstyles from movies or using a film's line in real life. They also don't start stalking women after seeing it in a movie. But all this happens in our country. This is our reality. You cannot compare our film industries with Hollywood and say 'Why are these pseudos talking like this about Animal, when they can enjoy Gone Girl as an art'? Understand the difference.”
When asked if such movies should be made, Taapsee said it should, but with a “different outcome that you want the society to be influenced by.” The actor said people should not get influenced by films and have a “solid moral compass” but that was “unfortunately not the case.”
Speaking about why she would not do a film like ‘Animal,’ Taapsee said, “Keeping the reality (of society) in mind, I need to exercise my power because Bollywood or being a star and actor gives you that soft power. And with power comes responsibility. So it is my opinion, and I am not one of those, who will tell XYZ actors that they should not do these films. They have their own choice; we are in a free country and we have a freedom of choice. I wouldn't do it (Animal) is what I am saying.”
Besides Ranbir, ‘Animal’ also stars Anil Kapor, Rashmika Mandanna, Bobby Deol, and Triptii Dimri in pivotal roles. Produced by Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar for T-Series, Murad Khetani for Cine1 Studios and Pranay Reddy Vanga for Bhadrakali Pictures.