Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor, has been making waves at the box office, but it’s also generating negative buzz due to concerns about its portrayal of toxic masculinity. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s storytelling approach has raised questions about the character played by Ranbir Kapoor, prompting reactions from actor Siddhant Karnick, who plays a significant role in the movie.
Karnick responded by emphasising that the film doesn’t intend to set any societal standards for masculinity. He explained that Ranbir’s character embodies an alpha male persona, believing in dominance and the top position in society’s hierarchy. Karnick clarified that people are free to draw parallels to societal norms, but as storytellers, their primary focus is on intensively narrating a story. He stated they don’t bear responsibility for how society interprets it.
Regarding whether Ranbir’s character mirrors real-life societal truths, Karnick viewed the character as entertaining rather than a direct reflection of society. He emphasised that societal triggers and responses are
individualised and not necessarily a result of the film’s message. He urged audiences to perceive the characters as just that—characters within a movie—rather than symbols or representations of broader societal issues.
Karnick welcomed the discussions surrounding the film, acknowledging the controversies around toxic masculinity and encouraging more dialogue. He hinted that the attention, even if controversial, might benefit the movie due to the belief that any publicity is beneficial. He urged viewers to form their own opinions by watching the film, expressing confidence in the audience’s ability to draw their conclusions.
Ultimately, he highlighted the audience’s intelligence in making their own judgments about the movie’s themes and characters.
