Sandeep Reddy Vanga confirms mid-2027 start for Ranbir Kapoor's Animal Park; promises "more animals" in high-octane sequel

Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal Park begins filming in mid-2027. Ranbir Kapoor returns as Ranvijay and Aziz in a "brother war" sequel, planned as part of the franchise following the director's Spirit.

Ranbir Kapoor in Animal

Production on Animal Park the high-octane sequel to Sandeep Reddy Vanga's 2023 smash hit Animal, is set to begin in mid-2027, according to the filmmaker. One of the most talked-about sequels in modern Indian cinema finally has a concrete timeline, according to an announcement made during a virtual press conference commemorating the original film's Japan premiere.

Which film is Sandeep Reddy Vanga currently working on?

While the sequel is still very much in the works, Vanga noted that the timing is dependent upon his present directing obligations in response to the influx of fan questions about its status. The filmmaker has to finish filming Prabhas' action movie Spirit which is now under production, before he can go back to the Animal universe.

While explaining the reasoning behind the sequel's title, Vanga hinted at a substantial expansion of the film's fundamental conflict. As per a report in Mid Day, the filmmaker said in a Zoom media session, "Animal Park will start soon once I finish the current film. There will be more animals in the film because Aziz is another animal. So, keeping that in mind, it's a war between the two brothers now to look alike, so I thought Animal Park would be the right title. We'll start in mid-2027 to shoot."

ALSO READ: Rashmika Mandanna promises Animal Park with Ranbir Kapoor is 'madness all over again,' reveals just one line got her on-board

Which roles will Ranbir Kapoor reprise in Animal Park?

Ranbir Kapoor, who was also present on the Zoom session, spoke highly of the creative choices made for the sequel. In addition to playing Rannvijay Singh again, the actor will play Aziz, the main antagonist, a role that was hinted at in the previous film's post-credits scene.

"I can't wait to get back on set with Sandeep and to play this character and now another character. Because it's a continuing story, he had the story of part two very clear in his mind while filming part one itself. So, it's very inspiring for me as an actor. Sandeep and I keep chatting with each other through the week or month and keep discussing different ideas. I really can't wait to get back to playing Ranvijay and Aziz," Kapoor said, saying that the story framework for Animal Park was built out even before the first film hit theatres.

What other projects are on Ranbir Kapoor's schedule?

With the start date set for 2027, the filmmaker and lead actor will have plenty of time to clear their busy schedules. The epic Ramayana by Nitesh Tiwari and the romantic comedy Love & War by Sanjay Leela Bhansali are two of Kapoor's upcoming big movies in 2026.

Animal Park might not be the final chapter, according to industry sources. It has been reported that Vanga plans to make a trilogy out of the franchise, with the second part leading up to a grand climax. The filmmaker has hinted at an increased cast of "animals" and the introduction of the "double role" dynamic, both of which are expected to increase the sequel's earnings above the first film's ₹900 crore worldwide gross.

Animal Park FAQs:

Q: When will Animal Park production start?

A: Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga has officially confirmed that Animal Park is scheduled to commence production in mid-2027. This timeline allows Vanga to complete his current project, the action drama Spirit starring Prabhas, and gives lead actor Ranbir Kapoor time to wrap up his 2026 commitments, including Ramayana and Love & War.

Q: Is Ranbir Kapoor playing a double role in Animal Park?

A: Yes, Ranbir Kapoor will reprise his role as the protagonist Ranvijay Singh while also portraying the primary antagonist, Aziz. This character was first teased in the post-credits sequence of the original 2023 film. Kapoor has expressed excitement about the challenge of playing both the hero and the villain in the same narrative.

Q: Will Rashmika Mandanna and Triptii Dimri return for Animal Park?

A: While the core focus of the announcement remains on the conflict between Ranvijay and Aziz, the sequel is a "continuing story," making it highly likely that key survivors from Animal, including Rashmika Mandanna (Geetanjali) and Triptii Dimri (Zoya), will return.

Share