Surpassing the ₹912 crore mark worldwide, Ranbir Kapoor’s film “Animal” emerged as one of the major blockbusters of 2023. Despite its impressive financial success, the film faced criticism from both critics and audiences for glorifying misogynistic and violent protagonists. Addressing the film’s triumph, Taapsee Pannu shared her perspective in an interview with Raj Shamani on his YouTube channel, emphasizing why she personally would have declined a role in such a movie.
Although Taapsee Pannu admitted to not having watched the Sandeep Reddy Vanga directorial “Animal,” she expressed her perspective, stating, “I have a take on it.” She highlighted her moderate stance, stating her willingness to agree to disagree with various opinions. Pannu cautioned against direct comparisons with Hollywood, emphasizing the distinct cultural dynamics in India where film influence goes beyond appreciation to imitation, citing instances of copying hairstyles and lines. She pointed out the stark contrast, asserting that in the Indian context, movies can have real-life repercussions like stalking. Pannu urged an understanding of these unique aspects, discouraging simplistic comparisons between the Indian and Hollywood film industries.
Taapsee Pannu shared her perspective on why she would refrain from taking on a role in a film like “Animal,” stating, “Considering the societal context, I feel it’s important to utilize the influence that comes with being a part of Bollywood and being a star. With influence comes responsibility. This is my personal standpoint, and I’m not the type to dictate to other actors, telling them what roles they should or should not choose. Everyone has their individual choices in a democratic nation with freedom of choice. I am simply expressing that I, personally, wouldn’t opt for a film like ‘Animal.'”
In response to the question of whether movies like “Animal” should be produced, Taapsee Pannu suggested that such films could be made, but with a focus on crafting narratives that lead to a ‘desired societal influence.’ She expressed the view that individuals should not be unduly influenced by films and emphasized the importance of maintaining a ‘strong moral compass,’ acknowledging, however, that this is regrettably not the prevailing circumstance.
Previously, Taapsee, renowned for her roles in films such as “Thappad,” openly criticized “Kabir Singh,” helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The 2019 blockbuster featuring Shahid Kapoor faced widespread criticism for its perceived misogynistic portrayal and the endorsement of violence within a romantic relationship. Notably, “Kabir Singh” was the Hindi adaptation of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Telugu film, “Arjun Reddy,” and stood out as one of the highest-grossing films of 2019.