WRITER-DIRECTOR Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s debut film Arjun Reddy and its successful Bollywood remake Kabir Singh divided audiences despite clocking up huge box office figures. There is a similar polarising effect with his mega-budget third movie, which was recently released in cinemas globally.
A young man is deeply devoted to his tycoon father, despite him being abusive and this leads towards a complex relationship. He also develops a decidedly dark side to his dangerous personality, which ultimately manifests itself in violence. The family outcast steps up when an attempt on his father’s life is made, and this leads him towards a path of brutal vengeance.
The visually stylish film combines contrasting genres as it mixes up a compelling father-son story and a complicated romance with gang related violence. The giant beating heart of Animal is an explosive performance from Ranbir Kapoor, as a psychologically damaged protagonist who goes through a dramatic transformation that drags him deep into the dark side of his own personality.
He has a magnetic screen presence, with stand-out moments from start to finish. The other cast members do justice to their respective roles. Bobby Deol in particular is great as the antagonist but doesn’t get nearly enough screen time.
Animal is loaded with violence, which regularly goes over the top and will ultimately divide audiences. That bloody brutality and eye-watering length prevent the well-made film from reaching its undeniable potential. The director stretches his story in a nearly three-and-a-halfhour film that is 30-40 minutes too long. There is also toxic masculinity, misogyny, and plenty of questionable messaging.
What ultimately saves the film from oblivion is a strong soundtrack, great central performance, and eye-catching action sequences. But this will ultimately be a divisive movie that audiences will love or hate but agree that it’s definitely too long.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.