Vikram Bhatt DEFENDS Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal: “Films are not community service”

Over a month after its release, the discussions surrounding Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Animal continue to simmer. Despite criticism for its perceived glorification of misogyny and violence, the film became a box office behemoth, raking in over Rs. 900 crores globally. Now, filmmaker-producer Vikram Bhatt has weighed in on the debate, offering a unique perspective. In a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, Bhatt argued that films often reflect society, not the other way around.

He stated, “We sometimes depict characters as robbers or serial killers… In Yash Chopra’s Darr (1993), Shah Rukh Khan’s character kills his girlfriend. That doesn’t mean we are advocating for it. It’s acknowledging such people exist.” [It seems like the veteran filmmaker got confused between Darr and Baazigar.]

Bhatt further expanded his point by citing classic films like Darr and Al Pacino’s Scarface. He added that portraying controversial characters doesn’t equate to endorsing their actions. “Ranbir Kapoor is not like his character in real life,” he asserted. “If he were, then the debates would make sense.”

The crux of Bhatt’s argument lies in the fundamental purpose of cinema. He believes films are primarily for entertainment, not morality lessons. “It’s a film, a character, and a story. If you don’t like it, don’t watch it. But why so much discussion? Films are not community service,” he remarked.

Vikram also commented on the “lick my shoes” scene, which was picturised on Ranbir Kapoor and Triptii Dimri. He said, “If I say the same thing to my wife, she will surely slap me. So what impact did the scene have? The wife who already licks shoes will continue to do so. That doesn’t mean others will follow suit.”

Bhatt also expressed concern about the growing trend of online judgement and censorship. “Everyone is a judge and wants to police others’ thoughts,” he said, suggesting a drift towards “online fascism.”

Bhatt’s comments come after renowned screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar indirectly criticised Animal at the 9th Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival. “If a film asks a woman to lick a shoe or suggests it’s okay to slap a woman… and it’s a hit, that’s dangerous,” he stated.

Also Read: Bollywood Hungama Best of 2023: OMG 2 walks away with Best Story honour; Animal gets the Best Screenplay