Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Ranvijay Singh in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's "Animal" was widely lauded, especially his long hair and beard. However, it has now been revealed that the director, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, was initially against Ranbir's look and almost didn't go ahead with it.
Celebrity hairstylist Aalim Hakim disclosed in a recent interview that Sandeep Reddy Vanga was hesitant about Ranbir sporting long hair and a beard for "Animal." According to Aalim, Vanga felt Ranbir's appearance was too reminiscent of his look in "Sanju," the Sanjay Dutt biopic. Vanga was concerned that the similarity would detract from the character's impact. Aalim explained that he had to convince the director that once the entire look was put together, Ranbir would not resemble "Sanju." He emphasized the importance of the long hair and beard in creating the character's powerful presence. "Had Ranbir's hair and beard not been long in Animal, I don't think his character would have the same impact. It took time to develop his character's look,” Aalim stated.
The long hair and beard eventually became iconic, contributing significantly to Ranvijay Singh's persona. The initial reluctance from the director highlights the collaborative process and the importance of different perspectives in filmmaking. It also underscores how crucial seemingly minor details like hairstyle can be in shaping a character's overall impact.
Beyond the initial hesitation regarding Ranbir's hair, other aspects of his physical transformation for "Animal" also generated considerable buzz. A video surfaced showing Ranbir using prosthetics to achieve a fuller stomach for certain scenes. This dedication to physical transformation was met with mixed reactions, with some praising his commitment to the role and others criticizing the use of prosthetics instead of natural weight gain. Despite the varying opinions, it's evident that Ranbir went to great lengths to embody the character of Ranvijay Singh fully.
"Animal" tells the story of Ranvijay Singh, who embarks on a violent journey after his father, Balbir Singh (played by Anil Kapoor), faces threats. The film explores the complex relationship between father and son, filled with intense emotions and dramatic confrontations. Along his path, Ranvijay encounters various enemies, ultimately confronting his long-lost cousin, Abrar Haque (played by Bobby Deol). The film also stars Rashmika Mandanna as Geethanjali, Ranvijay's wife, and Triptii Dimri as Zoya, his lover. The film's ending sets the stage for a sequel titled "Animal Park," introducing a new villain and promising more intense action.
While "Animal" was a commercial success, it also faced criticism for its depiction of women and its glorification of violence. Nevertheless, the film's performances, particularly Ranbir Kapoor's, were widely appreciated.
Looking ahead, Ranbir Kapoor is currently involved in several projects, including "Love & War" with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and "Ramayana" with Nitesh Tiwari. These upcoming films promise to showcase his versatility and further solidify his position as one of Bollywood's leading actors.
