Karan Johar shares why he loved Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Animal’: ‘Didn’t go deep into its moral communication’

Filmmaker Karan Johar has once again opened up about Ranbir Kapoor and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Animal’. Months after shocking fans by admitting that the film had ‘aroused and engaged’ him like no other, Karan shared that he 'didn't go deep into the moral communication of the film'.

At the Forbes India Leadership Awards 2024, Karan Johar said, ‘There’s been a lot of debate on Animal. People have expressed opinions, stood for it or against it – the filmmaker himself has been very vocal about his feelings. Personally, truly honestly, I saw it as a character film based on a character who was deeply dysfunctional, inherently violent, who had many emotional issues – and I loved the treatment.’

Johar explained that he was captivated by Sandeep Reddy Vanga's storytelling and technical skills in 'Animal', admitting he didn't delve deeply into its moral aspects. He stressed the importance of being transparent about one's admiration for a film, even if it invites criticism.

‘I didn’t go deep into the moral communication of the film – I was so swept by the narrative and the way the filmmaker told the story of it through sound design, screenplay, dialogue, character development, that as a filmmaker, I loved it,’ he said.

‘There are people who have called me and expressed their opinions – and agreed or disagreed with me. I have to be honest about my emotion attached to a film I’ve seen, and if it comes with criticism or flak, then I have to accept it with open arms. And if it comes with an embrace, I have to accept that as well,’ he added.

About ‘Animal’

‘Animal’ soared past Rs 900 crore at the box office. It was lauded for performances by Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, and Triptii Dimri. Despite its success, the movie sparked debate, drawing criticism from industry veterans Javed Akhtar and Swanand Kirkire on social media.

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