Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal may have emerged as one of the biggest hits of 2023, but it continues to spark intense debate over its themes of violence and misogyny. Among the loudest critics was renowned lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar, who previously described the film’s success as a “dangerous trend.”
In a recent interview with Barkha Dutt for Mojo Story, Javed revisited his criticism, clarifying that his remarks were not directed at the film itself but at the audience’s choices.
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Responding to a question about how the industry depicts women, particularly in films like Animal, Javed said, “Societies don’t move in a linear manner. So many things keep happening together. However, just like how there are many subplots in stories, there is also a main theme. We have to see what’s the main theme. All these are subplots, some are good, some are bad. It’s not like the whole society changes together completely. Some people take very small and hesitant steps, while others move faster. Animal also exists.”
On being asked why the film succeeded despite its controversial themes, Akhtar offered a pointed response: “The title tells you why. The title is self-explanatory.”
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He further clarified his stance, emphasizing that his critique was aimed at the audience’s reception of the film rather than the movie itself. “I didn’t express my opinion on Animal, I spoke about the audience that watched it. If 15 people have made a film with the wrong values, if 10-12 people make obscene songs, that’s not the problem. If 15 people are perverts among the 140 crore population, it doesn’t matter. When that thing goes on the market and becomes a superhit, that’s the problem.”
Javed also reflected on the normalization of vulgarity in society, pointing out a shift in societal acceptance. “There were vulgar songs in the 1920-30s as well, but they did not find general acceptance in households. Vulgarity wasn’t invented in the last ten years, it has existed since forever. However, there wasn’t an acceptance in the middle class for such vulgarity, which exists now,” he said.
Despite the backlash, Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor, became a commercial juggernaut, solidifying its position as one of the year’s most-discussed films.
