Mahesh Bhatt is one of those few people in the industry who speak their mind and are unapologetically non-conformist. But the filmmaker, for a change, shares the opinion of the masses when it comes to his son-in-law Ranbir Kapoor’s last release, Animal (2023). “I loved Animal and my son-in-law in it. He is outstanding in the film,” beams Bhatt. The lavish praise is noteworthy since he had been critical of Ranbir’s most acclaimed offerings, Rockstar (2011) and Barfi (2012).

But Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s directorial venture has evidently got the filmmaker’s nod, just as it caught the audience’s attention on its release. The Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Rashmika Mandanna-starrer became not only Ranbir’s biggest hit to date, but also one of the biggest blockbusters of 2023. Its commercial success, however, has been accompanied by a strong wave of criticism. From critics to viewers, many have slammed Animal, noting that it not merely depicts but endorses violence and misogyny. 

How does Bhatt weigh in on that criticism? “No significant leap in the performing arts can happen without disturbing the set beliefs of the system. Animal doesn’t play by the rule-book of the so-called mainstream, popular cinema; it has the guts to stand alone and walk on its path. That is what artistic spirit is about. You will disturb a lot of people, but they have the right to be disturbed. They have a right to oppose you with the same vehemence with which other people have embraced you,” he asserts.