In a candid revelation, Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor has addressed the swirling controversy surrounding his blockbuster film ‘Animal.’ Despite its remarkable success at the box office in 2023, the movie has found itself under scrutiny for allegedly perpetuating toxic masculinity and misogyny. Kapoor, who takes on the lead role in the film, has broken his silence on the matter, providing his perspective on the ongoing debate that has gripped social media.
Acknowledging the heated discourse, Ranbir remarked, “There is a very healthy conversation that has started about toxic masculinity, which is a great thing because cinema, at least, it starts a conversation. If something is wrong, if you don’t show that it is wrong, and unless conversation starts in society, we will never realize it.” The actor emphasized the role of cinema in initiating dialogue and raising awareness about societal issues.
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Defending his portrayal of characters embroiled in controversy, Kapoor stressed the importance of empathy for the roles actors play. He urged audiences to critically assess the characters and their actions, asserting, “The roles we are playing, those are characters. It is very important that as actors, we have empathy for them because we need to play it. But as an audience, you decide what’s wrong.”
Joining the conversation, Bobby Deol, who plays the antagonist in ‘Animal,’ echoed Kapoor’s sentiments. He underlined the role of storytelling in reflecting the complexities of society, noting that certain topics may be uncomfortable but are integral to the narrative. “We are actors and we’re just getting an opportunity to play different characters. That’s the fun of being an actor,” exclaimed Deol, emphasizing the diverse roles that actors undertake to showcase the multifaceted nature of human experiences.
The duo’s statements underscore the fine line between portraying characters with nuance and recognizing the societal responsibility that comes with such depictions. In an era where conversations about representation and societal impact are at the forefront, Kapoor and Deol’s comments contribute to the ongoing dialogue on the role of cinema in shaping public perception and fostering awareness.