Bollywood has always been a realm of diverse opinions and creative expressions, and recently, the industry found itself amidst a clash of perspectives. Renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar took a critical stance against the films Animal and Kabir Singh, expressing concerns about the impact of certain scenes on societal values.
In response, the team behind Animal fired back, defending the film’s portrayal of love and challenging Akhtar’s understanding of betrayal. This exchange of words has sparked a debate not only about the artistic freedom of filmmakers but also about the responsibility they hold in shaping societal norms.
Animal – A Controversial Blockbuster
Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, emerged as one of the biggest blockbusters of 2023. However, its success came hand in hand with criticism for its portrayal of misogyny and brutal violence.
The film’s narrative revolves around the troubled relationship between Rannvijay Singh (Ranbir Kapoor) and his father, with revenge at the forefront after an assassination attempt on the latter. The controversy surrounding the film’s content has sparked discussions about the fine line between creative expression and responsible filmmaking.
Javed Akhtar’s Concerns
Speaking at the Ajanta Ellora International Film Festival in Aurangabad, Javed Akhtar voiced his apprehensions about the influence of films on society, especially when they depict problematic scenes.
Akhtar specifically highlighted a scene in Animal where the lead character, Rannvijay, asks Zoya (played by Triptii Dimri) to lick his shoes as a test of her love. Akhtar questioned the societal repercussions of a film becoming a “super duper hit” despite such controversial content. The reference to Kabir Singh and the portrayal of slapping in the film added another layer to his concerns.
Read More: “Manchild Of The Year,” Do Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Movies Normalise Hitting Women?
Animal Team’s Response
In a bold response on social media, the official handle of Animal took a dig at Javed Akhtar’s understanding of betrayal and defended the film’s depiction of love. The team argued that if a woman were to ask a man to “lick my shoe” after being betrayed in the name of love, it would be celebrated as feminism.
The statement emphasized the film’s stance on keeping love free from the politics of gender, urging the audience to view the characters simply as lovers who experienced betrayal.
The clash between Javed Akhtar and the Animal team sheds light on the ongoing debate within Bollywood regarding the impact of films on societal values. While filmmakers argue for creative freedom, critics like Akhtar stress the responsibility of the industry in shaping a positive and progressive narrative.
As the industry continues to evolve, this clash of perspectives invites reflection on the kind of characters and stories filmmakers choose to champion and their potential impact on a society that looks up to them for inspiration and entertainment.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, The Times of India
Find the blogger: Pragya Damani
This post is tagged under: Bollywood, Filmmaking, Javed Akhtar, Animal Movie, Film Criticism, Creative Freedom, Societal Impact, Cinema Debate, Artistic Expression, Gender Politics, Entertainment Industry, Movie Controversy, Cultural Influence, Film Responsibility
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