Cracking UPSC or making films, which is easier? Animal director Sandeep Reddy Vanga's jibe at Vikas Divyakirti

Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga addressed the criticism surrounding his film Animal, noting that while many avoid discussing pressing social issues, they have no hesitation in dissecting his film for hours. Speaking on the Game Changers podcast, he specifically reacted to IAS officer and UPSC professor Vikas Divyakirti 's remarks and said that cracking UPSC was easier than filmmaking. His statement came after Vikas Divyakirti had compared Animal to 12th Fail, arguing that while the latter inspired society, the former dragged it backward.

Vanga defended his work, expressing frustration over what he saw as an unnecessary attack. He also claimed that cracking the IAS exam is easier than filmmaking, stating that with a few years of dedicated study and reading "1500 books", one can become an IAS officer. However, he argued, filmmaking has no structured learning path, and no teacher can truly teach someone how to be a filmmaker. Vikas Divyakirti, who played himself in 12th Fail, had previously criticized Animal for glorifying toxic behavior, stating that films should have social value rather than being driven purely by financial gains.

About Animal and 12th Fail

Animal is a Hindi-language action drama directed, co-written, and edited by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, produced by T-Series Films, Bhadrakali Pictures, and Cine1 Studios. Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, and Triptii Dimri, the film follows Ranvijay "Vijay" Singh, a ruthless son of a powerful industrialist, whose troubled relationship with his father worsens after an assassination attempt, driving him toward vengeance. Released theatrically on December 1, 2023, in standard and IMAX formats, Animal received mixed reviews, praised for its performances, action, and technical aspects but criticized for its violent themes and alleged glorification of toxic masculinity.


12th Fail is a 2023 Hindi biographical drama directed, produced, and written by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Based on Anurag Pathak’s book, it tells the inspiring true story of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who overcame extreme poverty to become an Indian Police Service officer, along with Shraddha Joshi Sharma, an Indian Revenue Service officer. Starring Vikrant Massey, Medha Shankr, and Anant V Joshi, the film released on 27 October 2023 and earned widespread acclaim. A sleeper hit, it grossed over Rs 69 crore on a Rs 20 crore budget. At the 69th Filmfare Awards, it won five awards, including Best Film and Best Director. It also starred Vikas Vikas Divyakirti as himself.