At the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Utsavam 2024, actress Mrunal Thakur came out in defence of Ranbir Kapoor, who faced criticism for his portrayal of a violent and ruthless character in the 2023 film Animal. The film, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, stirred controversy for its graphic violence and depiction of toxic masculinity. Speaking to the media, Mrunal emphasized the range of Kapoor’s acting abilities, reminding everyone of his earlier, much-loved role in the 2012 film Barfi.
“Let’s not forget that Ranbir is also the actor who played Barfi. Why can’t we celebrate the diversity in his films and the fact that he can play both Barfi and Animal so well?” Mrunal stated.
The 2012 film Barfi, directed by Anurag Basu, is a romantic comedy that starred Kapoor as a mute and deaf man. The film also featured Priyanka Chopra, Ileana D’Cruz, and several other notable actors, receiving widespread acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of differently-abled characters.
Animal Controversy and Success
Kapoor’s recent film Animal, an action drama, saw him take on the role of Ranvijay Singh Balbir, a character criticised for its graphic violence and misogynistic overtones. The film, which also starred Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, and Triptii Dimri, sparked debates about its depiction of toxic masculinity. However, despite the criticism, Animal was a box office success, grossing ₹917 crore globally.
In a previous interview with Bollywood Life, Mrunal Thakur had also addressed the backlash surrounding Animal. “I think we should watch the movie for the characters they portray. Films are made for entertainment. That’s why it’s called Animal, not Devata,” she had said, adding that she was proud to be part of Indian cinema.
Upcoming Projects
Mrunal Thakur is set to star alongside Ajay Devgn in the sequel to the action-comedy Son of Sardaar, directed by Vijay Kumar Arora. She is also working on a comedy film with Varun Dhawan, helmed by David Dhawan, and is part of Pooja Meri Jaan, co-starring Huma Qureshi.
Ranbir Kapoor, meanwhile, will next be seen in Animal Park, the sequel to Animal. He also has Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War, co-starring Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal.