“Animal”: Unraveling the Emotional Tapestry with Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga
“Animal” is a special movie all about the bond between a father and son. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, it stars Ranbir Kapoor and has plenty of people excited, especially because of its intense and action-packed trailer. The film also features Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor, and Bobby Deol in important roles. Produced by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures, “Animal” is set to hit theaters on December 1st in Hindi and other languages. Recently, Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga elaborated on the movie in an interview, giving us a sneak peek into what to expect.
Congratulations on your journey from Telugu cinema to Bollywood. How has the transition been, especially working with stars like Ranbir Kapoor in movies like ‘Animal’?
Sandeep: Thank you so much. Transitioning to Bollywood has been quite a ride. Working with Ranbir Kapoor in ‘Animal’ has been a learning experience. He’s a big star, yet down-to-earth.
Your first film, ‘Arjun Reddy,’ focused on a love story. ‘Animal’ seems to narrate a love story between a father and son. Can you share insights into this emotional narrative?
Sandeep: Indeed, ‘Animal’ is a love story between a father and son. It’s a family drama exploring the emotions tied to the lengths one goes for family, depicting a poignant narrative.
Both Arjun Reddy and Ranbir Kapoor’s character in ‘Animal’ exude intense emotions. Are there similarities, and how do you balance emotion and intensity in character design?
Sandeep: While there are similarities, the storylines, and characters in ‘Animal’ are entirely distinct. Authenticity drives emotional intensity, and those who naturally convey intense emotions bring characters to life on screen.
The trailer hints at a strong emotional impact. Does the film lean more towards emotion or violence, or is there a harmonious balance?
Sandeep: ‘Animal’ strikes a balance between emotion and violence, maintaining a natural equilibrium throughout the film, providing an immersive experience.
There was a viral moment about violence in your films. Can you share more about that humorous response?
Sandeep (Laughing): Reviewers noted increased violence in the Hindi remake of ‘Arjun Reddy.’ I humorously said I’d define violence in my next film, and it went viral.
Rashmika’s character in ‘Animal’ seems crucial. Can you shed light on the importance of her role?
Sandeep: Rashmika’s character in ‘Animal’ is layered and goes beyond the conventional. It contributes significantly to the beautiful love story in the film.
‘Animal’ is a three-hour film. Does it present an opportunity for something unconventional?
Sandeep: ‘Animal’ is a complete family drama with layers, portraying a different kind of story. While Arjun Reddy might be considered unconventional for its time, ‘Animal’ follows a more traditional format, utilizing the three-hour duration to convey intricate family details.
How was it working with Ranbir Kapoor, a big Bollywood star?
Sandeep: Collaborating with Ranbir Kapoor has been delightful. He’s a great personality, a big star with humility and focus on set.
What prompted naming the film ‘Animal’?
Sandeep: The title reflects instinctive behavior, akin to animals. It aligns with the hero’s instinctive character in the story.
How are the roles of Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol in ‘Animal’?
Sandeep: Anil Kapoor’s role is crucial, driven by his goal. Bobby Deol appears as the antagonist, adding depth to the narrative.
Does the revenge angle feel powerful in the movie?
Sandeep: Yes, revenge in ‘Animal’ is portrayed with significant energy, alongside the theme of love.
You also edited ‘Animal.’ What prompted you to do that?
Sandeep: I enjoy editing; it’s a challenging job. My films hold personal meaning, and editing allows me to convey that emotion.
After the successes of ‘Arjun Reddy’ and ‘Kabir Singh,’ how have you tackled the expectations for ‘Animal’?
Sandeep: I’ve taken expectations instinctively, thinking creatively. ‘Animal’ has received appreciation for lyrics, action, and choreography.
Who did the Telugu dubbing for the hero role in ‘Animal’?
Vasu did the dubbing, delivering emotions beautifully. Rashmika did her own dubbing in Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi.
What can you tell us about your next movie starring Prabhas?
Pre-production work starts in June, focusing on dialogues and treatment.
After Prabhas and Allu Arjun, have you narrated stories to anyone else?
Sandeep: I shared a story with Mahesh Babu, and he enjoyed it. Unfortunately, due to his busy schedule, we couldn’t take it further. Whether it’s Mahesh Babu, Ram Charan, or others, I am open to working with everyone. However, because of different commitments, we haven’t gone beyond initial discussions.
