Ranbir Kapoor’s intense performance in Animal pushed boundaries, but one scene, in particular, has taken the internet by storm—his daring nude walk. The sequence, where Ranbir strides naked, covered in blood, holding an axe, is one of the most gripping moments of the film. While it shocked audiences, shooting it was an even bigger challenge.
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his raw and unfiltered storytelling, recently addressed the scene and the industry’s reaction to Animal. In an interview, he pointed out how the same critics who slammed the film for its violence and misogyny were all praises for Ranbir’s performance. “The same people who criticised the film had no problem saying Ranbir was brilliant. I’m not jealous of Ranbir, but why is there a difference in how they see our work?” he asked. According to him, actors work on multiple films a year, making them a safer bet for praise, whereas directors take years to bring a project to life and are easier to criticise.
Coming back to the scene itself, filming the nude walk required careful planning. A closed set with minimal crew members was arranged to ensure privacy and comfort for Ranbir. The team worked extensively on camera angles, lighting, and VFX to maintain the intensity of the scene without crossing censorship guidelines. Despite the logistical and creative challenges, Ranbir was fully committed to bringing the director’s vision to life.
While Animal faced backlash for its brutality, it became a massive box office success, earning over ₹500 crore domestically. The film marked the biggest hit of both Vanga’s and Ranbir’s careers, proving that audiences were captivated despite—or perhaps because of—its controversial elements.
Love it or hate it, Animal has ensured that both Ranbir and Vanga remain at the centre of conversation. And the now-iconic nude walk? It’s already cemented its place as one of the boldest moments in Indian cinema.
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.