The release of the film ‘Animal’ in December last year has ignited a fierce debate within both the online community and the film industry. While a segment of viewers embraced the intense drama thriller, another faction vehemently criticised it as a deeply problematic film that does a disservice to women.
In a recent event hosted by FICCI Frames, screenwriter Gazal Dhaliwal and dialogue writer Saurabh Gupta took centre stage to dissect ‘Animal.’
The discussion focused on defending specific scenes and exploring the potential societal impact of this polarising film, which featured stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Triptii Dimri, Anil Kapoor, and Bobby Deol.
Saurabh Gupta, defending Animal dialogues, said, “Cinema ke saath mardon ko sanitary napkin ki importance samjhana, cigarette peena, sharab peena kharab hai woh samjhana, itna bojh padh gaya hai, cinema jhuk gaya hai sir. Hum thoda maza karte hai na.
Translation: “In cinema, burdening men with the responsibility of understanding the importance of sanitary napkins, the harms of smoking and drinking—cinema has bowed down under such weight. Let’s add a little fun to it, shall we?”
Controversial Dialogues And Societal Impact
A highlight of the debate was Gazal Dhaliwal’s critique of a dialogue in which Ranbir Kapoor’s character makes insensitive remarks about menstruation. She expressed concerns about the potential influence on male viewers. Saurabh Gupta countered, advocating for cinema to entertain rather than carry societal messages.
Islamophobia Allegations And Character Choices
The conversation expanded to address the perceived Islamophobia in the film, with Gazal questioning the character of Bobby Deol.
Saurabh defended the logical progression of the character’s story, sparking a broader discussion on community portrayals in recent cinema.
Gazal Dhaliwal challenged the creators’ responsibility in crafting characters, particularly criticising the stereotypical portrayal of a Muslim character in the film.
The discussion got into the broader issue of societal perceptions within the cinematic realm.
In her concluding remarks, Gazal acknowledged ‘Animal’ as an exceptionally well-made film, recognising its craftsmanship, performances, and impactful writing. However, she emphasised the problematic aspects of the storyline.
Saurabh Gupta, in his closing statements, defended the film’s intent, stating it was crafted to showcase a specific character and story. He urged viewers to appreciate it as a work of fiction, drawing parallels with acclaimed Hollywood movies like Scarface and The Godfather.
Despite a heated social media debate, ‘Animal’ emerged as one of Hindi cinema’s biggest hits, grossing over Rs 900 crores globally.
The film’s success raises questions about the intersection of artistic expression, societal responsibility, and audience reception.
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