Javed Akhtar Slams The Success Of Animal, Calling It A Dangerous Trend
Lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has never shied away from expressing his strong opinions about Bollywood trends. In a recent interview with Barkha Dutt for Mojo Story, Akhtar reignited his critique of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s 2023 blockbuster Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor. The film, which was a massive hit despite facing accusations of promoting misogyny and toxic masculinity, has drawn sharp remarks from Akhtar, who compared its creators to “perverts” and called out society’s growing acceptance of vulgarity.
‘Animal’ And Its Controversial Success
Animal became one of the highest-grossing films of 2023, but its success was marred by controversy. Critics, including Akhtar, slammed the film’s portrayal of women and its violent, regressive themes. Speaking about the film’s impact, Akhtar said the popularity of such movies reflects a “dangerous trend” in society.
While clarifying his earlier remarks, Akhtar noted that his criticism wasn’t limited to the film but extended to the audience that embraced it. “The title itself is self-explanatory,” he remarked, implying the primal and unrefined themes of the movie. He further elaborated, “If 15 people have made a film with the wrong values, that’s not the issue. But when it finds acceptance in the market and becomes a superhit, that’s the real problem.”
‘Vulgarity’ And Its Growing Normalization
During the interview, Akhtar expressed concerns about the increasing normalization of vulgarity in Indian society, particularly within the middle class. Comparing the current era to earlier decades, he pointed out that vulgarity has always existed but was not as widely accepted as it is today. “There were vulgar songs in the 1920s and 1930s as well, but they never found acceptance in middle-class households. Vulgarity wasn’t invented in the last ten years; it has always been there. But now, it’s become normalized,” he said.
Akhtar lamented the loss of values in contemporary cinema, suggesting that films like Animal reflect a broader societal shift where objectionable content finds wide-scale approval. He added, “When something that should be rejected by society becomes celebrated, it speaks volumes about where we are heading.”
A Broader Critique Of Bollywood And Society
When asked about the evolving portrayal of women in Bollywood, Akhtar explained that societal change does not happen uniformly. He used an analogy to describe how progress and regression coexist. “Societies don’t move in a linear manner. Some people take small, hesitant steps forward, while others regress. Films like Animal exist alongside other narratives. These are like subplots in a story—they may be good or bad, but they coexist with the main theme,” he observed.
Akhtar also questioned whether the industry is adequately addressing gender sensitivity in its storytelling. He pointed out that while some filmmakers strive to push progressive narratives, others exploit regressive tropes for commercial success.
The Debate Around Bollywood’s Moral Responsibility
The controversy surrounding Animal has reignited the age-old debate about Bollywood’s role in shaping societal values. Akhtar’s remarks highlight the tension between commercial success and artistic responsibility. He argued that the problem lies not in the existence of objectionable content but in its widespread approval. “If 10-12 people make obscene songs or 15 people make films with the wrong values, it doesn’t matter. But when those things are embraced and celebrated, it’s a reflection of where we are as a society,” he said.
Industry Reactions To Animal
The polarizing nature of Animal has drawn mixed reactions from within the industry. While its fans praised Ranbir Kapoor‘s intense performance and the film’s raw storytelling, critics like Javed Akhtar called out its problematic themes. Several filmmakers and actors also expressed disappointment over the film’s approach to feminism and toxic masculinity.
Despite the criticism, Animal emerged as one of the highest earners of 2023, cementing its place as a commercial success. However, Akhtar believes this success is symptomatic of deeper societal issues.
Akhtar’s Call For Self-Reflection
Akhtar’s critique is a call for both the industry and its audience to reflect on their choices. He emphasized the need for creators to be mindful of the values they propagate through their work. At the same time, he urged audiences to reject content that normalizes vulgarity and regressive ideologies.
“We must ask ourselves why films like Animal resonate with so many people. What does it say about us as a society? These are the questions we need to address,” he concluded.
Akhtar’s remarks have sparked fresh discussions about the role of cinema in shaping cultural norms and the responsibility of filmmakers to uphold progressive values. As Bollywood continues to grapple with these challenges, voices like Akhtar’s serve as a reminder of the power and influence of storytelling in shaping society’s moral compass.