Amid a successful run at the box office, filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal is also coming in for intense criticism from all corners for its depiction of violence, toxic masculinity and misogyny. Lyricist-actor Swanand Kirkire is the latest to speak about his displeasure with the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer, on X.

“Today after watching Animal, I really felt pity for the women of today’s generation. Now, a new man has been prepared for you, who is more scary, who does not respect you that much and who aims to subdue you, suppress you and feels proud of himself... I have come home desperate, dejected and weak! (sic)”

The Three of Us actor expressed concern that the film might “determine the future of Indian cinema afresh, in a new, scary and dangerous direction”, adding: “Ranbir’s dialogue in which he says that men who are not able to become alpha, become poets to attract women... I am a poet. I do poetry for living. Do I have a place? This film is making a lot of money and the glorious history of Indian cinema is being embarrassed (sic).”