As a long-time observer of Indian cinema and a respected figure in the industry, I, Javed Akhtar, have seen many trends come and go over the years. However, one trend that has recently concerned me is the portrayal of the ‘angry young man’ character in contemporary films. Having written some of the most iconic scripts in Bollywood history, I have always believed that art should reflect reality while also challenging societal norms.
In simpler terms, the crime thriller “Animal” (released in 2023), featuring Ranbir Kapoor as the main character, was a significant hit at the box office. The public appreciated the film for its intense action sequences and acting performances. However, it faced backlash due to some questionable scenes. Notably, Javed Akhtar, who had previously criticized the movie, recently spoke out against one particular scene where Ranbir’s character asks someone to lick his shoes. He also expressed concern that the portrayal of the ‘angry young man’ archetype in modern films is starting to appear exaggerated or cartoonish.
Javed Akhtar reveals that he has not watched Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal
During a recent talk with We Are Yuvaa, Javed Akhtar was questioned about why the “angry young man” concept for a hero persists more in the southern film industry than in the northern. In response, the screenwriter expressed, “You’ll also notice that he is transforming into a caricature of himself down there.”
He then referred to the controversial scene in Animal where Ranbir Kapoor’s character asks Triptii Dimri’s Zoya to lick his shoe to prove her love for him. Akhtar stated, “Ab woh man agar hai toh woh hai jiska joota ek aurat chaate. Toh woh angry young man ka ya strong man ka caricature banna shuru ho chuka hai (Now he is the kind of man whose shoe gets licked by a woman. So that caricature of an angry young man or strong man has started).”
Javed Akhtar was questioned if he had watched the film “Animal.” He responded by saying no, and when asked why, he didn’t see a reason to do so. However, people had told him about a particular scene in the movie, and he also read about it in news reports. He acknowledged that the film contained scenes involving slaps and similar elements.
More about Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal
Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who previously directed Kabir Singh, helms the film Animal. Joining Ranbir Kapoor on screen are Rashmika Mandanna, Triptii Dimri, Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor, Shakti Kapora, and others. Animal premiered in cinemas on December 1, 2023.
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2024-07-25 10:52