Vivek Agnihotri, the filmmaker known for movies like "The Kashmir Files," has recently made headlines for his bold statements regarding Bollywood and its reaction to the film "Animal," particularly concerning actor Ranbir Kapoor. Agnihotri has asserted that Bollywood lacks the courage to openly criticize Kapoor, despite harboring reservations about him and his work.
Agnihotri's comments come in the wake of the widespread discussion and debate surrounding Sandeep Reddy Vanga's "Animal," which starred Ranbir Kapoor in a lead role. The film, while commercially successful, faced considerable criticism for its violence, misogyny, and themes of toxic masculinity. While director Sandeep Reddy Vanga bore the brunt of much of this criticism, Agnihotri points out that Kapoor was largely spared, a dynamic that Vanga himself has acknowledged.
In an interview, Agnihotri stated that filmmakers and producers in Bollywood often badmouth major stars behind their backs but lack the "aukaat" (courage or standing) to voice their concerns publicly. He challenged anyone to name a director or producer who doesn't speak negatively about these stars in private, questioning their willingness to risk their careers by openly criticizing powerful figures like Ranbir Kapoor. Agnihotri went on to say that because these individuals are unwilling to speak up, they "deserve to suffer" the consequences of paying exorbitant fees – such as 150 crore rupees – "for crap acting."
Agnihotri's remarks reflect a broader sentiment about the power dynamics within Bollywood, where established stars wield considerable influence and criticism is often muted to avoid professional repercussions. He suggests that the industry's reliance on these stars, driven by financial considerations, stifles honest feedback and perpetuates a system where talent is secondary to star power. He has stated that this is why he quit Bollywood.
This isn't the first time Agnihotri has spoken about issues within Bollywood. He has previously criticized the industry for a lack of fresh ideas, independent producers, and innovative strategies, suggesting that the old guard needs to be dismantled to pave the way for new talent and perspectives. He has also been a vocal commentator on the "boycott Bollywood" trend, linking it to a disconnect between the industry and its audience.
The film "Animal" itself has been a lightning rod for controversy. While praised by some for its performances and action sequences, it has been panned by others for its problematic themes and excessive violence. The film ignited a debate on social media, with prominent figures slamming it for perceived misogyny. Despite the criticism, "Animal" achieved significant commercial success, grossing over 900 crore rupees globally. Ranbir Kapoor has acknowledged the criticism leveled against "Animal," stating that the intention was not to promote wrong values but that the film was "misconstrued". He has also expressed that people from the film industry were disappointed that he had starred in the movie.
Agnihotri's recent comments add another layer to the ongoing discourse about "Animal" and its impact, highlighting the complex interplay of artistic expression, social responsibility, and industry politics within Bollywood. They also underscore his reputation as a filmmaker who is unafraid to voice his opinions, even if they are controversial.
