December 8, 2023

Mumbai: In a remarkable display of box office dominance, Ranbir Kapoor's latest cinematic venture, "Animal," has surged past the ₹550 crore mark in its worldwide gross within just a week of release. The film, also featuring Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor, and Bobby Deol, is on a fast track to surpass Kapoor's previous blockbuster, "Sanju," which stands at a gross of ₹586.85 crore.

Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his work on "Kabir Singh," "Animal" presents a gritty narrative woven around themes of gang wars and complex familial dynamics. The film's first-week collection stands at a staggering ₹563.3 crore, showcasing its massive appeal despite criticisms over its portrayal of toxic masculinity, violence, and misogyny.

Ranbir Kapoor, in a role that has been both lauded and debated, plays Ranvijay Singh, a character that he describes as the most complex of his career. "It's not about the darkness but the complexity of emotions and the layers each character possesses," Kapoor said at the trailer launch. The film's plot revolves around the tumultuous father-son relationship between Anil Kapoor's character, Balbir Singh, and Ranbir's Ranvijay Singh. Rashmika Mandanna portrays Ranvijay's wife, while Bobby Deol is cast in the role of the antagonist.

"Animal" has been creating buzz on social media platforms as well. The official page of the movie shared a poster featuring Ranbir Kapoor with the caption: "Epic Triumph #Animal #AnimalHuntBegins #BloodyBlockbusterAnimal." Enthusiastic fans have taken to social media, with one user predicting, “End Of the Sunday Easily it will cross 650 to 670 crs,” while another anticipates a ₹1000 crore milestone.

At the domestic box office, "Animal" has collected ₹338 crore, and it is expected to enjoy a clear run until the release of Shah Rukh Khan's "Dunki" on December 22. The film has been praised for its unique storytelling and powerful performances, particularly that of Ranbir Kapoor.

Ranbir Kapoor further likened "Animal" to an adult-rated version of the family drama "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham." “It's about a man who goes to any length to protect his family. That's the core of the film,” he explained, offering insight into the film's central theme.

"Animal" is not just a commercial success; it's a film that challenges the norms of traditional Bollywood narratives, offering a raw and unfiltered look into the complexities of human relationships and moral dilemmas. As it continues to attract audiences worldwide, "Animal" stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where stories are not just told but experienced in all their shades.