Karan Johar on ‘Animal’: ‘Didn’t go deep into the moral communication of the film’

Karan Johar has once again shared his thoughts about Ranbir Kapoor and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Animal’. Admitting that he ‘didn’t go deep into the moral communication of the film’, he pointed out that it was quite impactful as it brought out several opinions from the public and celebrities as well.

He also praised the filmmaker’s vision for the film.

Speaking at the Forbes India Leadership Awards 2024, Karan Johar said that he had spoken about ‘Animal’ many times before and had many to agree and disagree with him.

He 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 further added, “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.”

Here’s the trailer of ‘Animal’:

The filmmaker also explained that the film was impactful as it evoked some sort of reaction from people.

“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 explained.

Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Animal’ featured Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna and Bobby Deol in lead roles. The film, which hit theatres in December 2023, turned out to be a blockbuster. It earned over Rs 900 crore worldwide thereby becoming Ranbir’s highest grossing film of his career.

The film was also criticised by a large section of people for promoting and glorifying toxic masculinity and extreme violence.

Karan Johar calls Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Animal’ ‘the best film of the year’