Javed Akhtar takes a dig at Animal - 'If a man says it’s okay to slap a woman…and the film is a super hit, that’s dangerous'

During the talk at the Ajanta Ellora International Film Festival in Aurangabad, Javed Akhtar discussed the kinds of movies that are becoming popular these days. While addressing the audience, he talked about the state of movies and music today, blaming the audience for their popularity. Though the lyricist did not specifically reference Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal, which starred Ranbir Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor, and Triptii Diri, he did voice his opinions about the kinds of movies that nowadays become blockbusters.

Referring to the controversial moment between Ranbir and Triptii Dimrii's characters, he remarked, “If there’s a film in which a man asks a woman to lick his shoe, if a man says it’s okay to slap a woman…and the film is a super hit, that’s dangerous,” The slapping might be a reference to Sandeep's earlier movie, Kabir Singh, which starred Kiara Advani and Shahid Kapoor.

Also read: Animal 2023: Release date, trailer, plot, cast, budget, OTT platform and more

According to him, the public determines whether movies and songs are popular. Since what people watch affects the type of information that is created, they should be accountable for what they watch. Today, the audience bears a greater responsibility than the director says the veteran lyricist. "You take responsibility too for the kind of films you watch. That’s what decides what kind of films will be made. You decide what’s made and what should be rejected. The value and moralities shown in our films lie in your hands,” he said.

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Animal mixed reviews

Meanwhile, although a large number of audience have applauded the movie, many others have voiced their dissatisfaction with Vanga's treatment of subjects like toxic masculinity and feminism.

More about Animal

Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor, Saloni Batra, Triptii Dimri, Shakti Kapoor, and Suresh Oberoi are among the actors who star in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's film Animal. The film released in cinemas on December 1 and collected ₹ 548.54 crore making it one of the biggest blockbusters of 2023. Talks of a follow-up titled Animal Park have already begun.

Also Read: Animal: Ranbir Kapoor describes how he prepped for such a ‘violent’ character; invites unexpected trolls against Ranveer Singh