Ranbir Kapoor Credits Sandeep Reddy Vanga for Breaking His ‘Lover-Boy’ Image with Animal
The actor reflects on taking a career-defining risk, embracing a darker persona, and how Animal changed the way audiences see him
Ranbir Kapoor has candidly spoken about how Animal marked a turning point in his career, helping him finally break free from the romantic and “chocolate-boy” roles that dominated much of his filmography. The actor credits director Sandeep Reddy Vanga for seeing a side of him that most filmmakers hadn’t explored and trusting him with a character as intense and emotionally volatile as Ranvijay Vijay Singh.
Looking back, Ranbir admitted that he had largely been cast in lover-boy or coming-of-age roles for years. When Animal was first narrated to him, the character genuinely scared him as an actor. The emotional aggression, moral ambiguity, and violent streak of the role were far removed from anything he had played before. However, Vanga’s conviction and clarity about the character reassured him, giving Ranbir the confidence to step outside his comfort zone.
Released in December 2023, Animal emerged as one of the biggest box-office successes in Indian cinema, crossing the ₹900-crore mark worldwide. The film’s raw portrayal of obsession, masculinity, and fractured family bonds struck a chord with audiences across India and overseas markets. Its global response has continued to grow, with international releases further expanding its reach.
At the heart of Animal lies a deeply troubled father-son relationship, with Ranbir’s character driven by unresolved childhood trauma and a desperate need for validation. The actor has spoken about how this emotional core made the story universal, despite its violent and polarising surface. According to him, the character’s extremes stem from emotional damage rather than pure villainy, which helped him connect with the role on a deeper level.
The film also sparked intense debate, with criticism aimed at its depiction of violence and gender dynamics. While Ranbir has acknowledged the mixed reactions, he maintains that Animal was never meant to be a moral lesson but a character study rooted in flawed human behaviour. He has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming audience support, even as the film divided opinion.
With powerful performances from Anil Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Bobby Deol, and Triptii Dimri, Animal became a cultural talking point well beyond its theatrical run. The success has also paved the way for a sequel, Animal Park, where Ranbir is expected to explore the character’s darker layers even further.
For Ranbir Kapoor, Animal represents more than just a blockbuster — it’s a reinvention. By stepping away from familiar territory and embracing a risky, confrontational role, he has reshaped audience perception and opened a new chapter in his acting journey, one that promises bolder choices ahead.
