Here’s why Sandeep Reddy Vanga refuses to take Javed Akhtar’s criticism of ‘Animal’ seriously

This weekend, Indian Idol Season 15 will celebrate the first anniversary of Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal with the film’s director, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, making a special appearance. During the episode, Vanga addressed criticism of the film, including a pointed remark aimed at renowned lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar, who has openly expressed his disapproval of Animal, claiming that the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer sent the wrong message to the audience.

The discussion began when contestant Myscmme Bosu praised the film, revealing she had watched it three times. She shared her frustration over fellow contestant Manasi’s opposing views. “I’ve tried to convince her about how Animal makes sense, but she’s not convinced. I want Sandeep Sir to explain it to her,” Myscmme said.

Manasi didn’t hold back, voicing her concerns about a particular scene. “There’s this scene with ‘mera joota chato,’ and I personally have a problem with it,” she remarked.


Sandeep, visibly surprised, retorted, “You have a problem with the joota chato scene, but no problem with the hero killing 300 people?” To this, Manasi firmly replied, “Yes, there is a problem.”
The debate escalated when Manasi referenced Javed Akhtar’s critique, stating, “Javed Akhtar said it’s dangerous for society, and I agree with him.” Responding to this, Sandeep quipped, “If Javed Ji weren’t a lyricist or story writer, I’d take his words seriously.”

In a separate conversation with journalist Barkha Dutt, Javed Akhtar shared his views, saying, “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.”

Released in December 2023, Animal delves into the toxic dynamics between a man and his father. Ranbir Kapoor plays Vijay, an anti-hero who will stop at nothing to protect his father, even gunning down 200 people with a machine gun. Despite his extreme loyalty, Vijay struggles to win the approval of his emotionally distant father, played by Anil Kapoor.

While Animal became a massive box office success, earning over Rs 900 crore, it was also mired in controversy, with many labeling the film as toxic and misogynistic.