Sandeep Reddy Vanga's recent release, 'Animal', featuring Ranbir Kapoor, continues to stir conversation, drawing criticism for its misogynistic themes.
Actor-politician Khushboo Sundar has now weighed in on the debate surrounding the film, directing her concerns towards the audience rather than the director.
Khushboo expressed her apprehension about the widespread success of a film like 'Animal' during a discussion at Witt: Female Protagonist - The New Hero. She further said that such films doing well makes her wonder where society is headed.
She said, “First thing I would like to say in this room is that I haven’t watched the film Animal because that’s not my kind of film. If a film like Animal continues to be one of the biggest box office-grossing films, then we really need to think about the mindset of the people who go and watch such films. Even before that, we had a major issue with Kabir Singh. I don’t blame the director because I think for him it’s the success which is going to count.”
The actor continued, “But I am talking about if there is something which is out there on a public forum where we talk about gender equality, we talk about equal respect to women, talking about her dignity, talking about how she should be projected and how she should be respected. And yet, you come across a film like Animal and people throng to go and watch these kinds of films. And they’re all youngsters. They’re educated youngsters. ‘Oh, we love the film.’ And I’m like, ‘Guys, what’s going on in your mind?’”
Khushboo revealed that her daughters advised her against watching 'Animal' after witnessing troubling content, indicating their concern.
Apart from Ranbir Kapoor, 'Animal' features Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, and Triptii Dimri in pivotal roles.