Ranbir Kapoor reacts after a man tells him violent films like Animal should not be promoted, actor says, "completely agree but..."

Actor Ranbir Kapoor recently responded to criticism about his films Animal (2023) and Sanju (2018), which were accused of glorifying violence. The actor spoke about this issue during the ongoing 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, where he was invited to discuss the impact of cinema on society and the role of an actor.

During the event, a man expressed concerns over the themes of violence in movies like Animal and Sanju.

He stated that these films send a harmful message by suggesting that violence is a way to achieve anything, no matter the consequences.

As an actor I agree with ur opinion that we should make movies which bring a positive change to society, but having said that at the end of the day, I am an actor and it is very important to me that I dabble in different characters & different genres of films - #RanbirKapoor pic.twitter.com/2Slq1aWhDV
RK (@seeuatthemovie) November 24, 2024

The person also argued that such films should not be promoted widely. Instead, he praised older films for their good storytelling, which he believed were more responsible and meaningful.

In response to this criticism, Ranbir Kapoor was respectful and thoughtful in his answer. He said, "I completely agree with your opinion. As an actor, it is our responsibility to bring movies that bring a positive change to society."

He acknowledged the importance of using cinema as a tool for good and expressed his agreement with the idea that filmmakers should be more responsible about the kind of stories they tell. However, Ranbir also pointed out that as an actor, it is important for him to take on different roles and explore a variety of genres.

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He explained that part of his job involves experimenting with different characters, which might include playing complex or morally questionable figures. Despite this, he emphasized that it’s important for the industry to be aware of the messages being sent through films.

This conversation comes after Animal received mixed reviews from critics. The film, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, has been criticized for its portrayal of misogyny, toxic masculinity, and its excessive violence.

Animal is an action drama that stars Ranbir Kapoor alongside Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, and Triptii Dimri. Some viewers felt that the film’s depiction of violence was excessive and unnecessary, contributing to the growing concerns about how violence is portrayed in popular media. The criticism focused on how these elements could influence audiences, especially younger viewers, by normalizing harmful behavior.

On the other hand, Sanju, a 2018 biographical film directed by Rajkumar Hirani, told the story of actor Sanjay Dutt’s troubled life. Ranbir Kapoor played the lead role, portraying Dutt’s rise to fame, personal struggles, and his legal issues. While Sanju was widely appreciated for its acting, particularly Kapoor’s performance, some felt that the film did not fully address the darker aspects of Dutt’s life, and instead, it occasionally softened the portrayal of his mistakes. Despite these concerns, the film was successful both critically and commercially.

Ranbir's response reflects a broader debate in the film industry about the balance between artistic freedom and social responsibility. While actors and filmmakers often want to push boundaries and create entertaining or thought-provoking films, they must also consider the potential impact of their work on society. Many believe that films should strive to offer positive messages, promote empathy, and address important issues in a responsible way.

Looking ahead, Ranbir Kapoor’s upcoming projects continue to generate excitement. He will be starring in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War, which also features Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. The film, announced in January 2024, is expected to be a grand, emotional drama. Additionally, Ranbir is set to appear in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana, alongside Sai Pallavi and others, further expanding his range as an actor.

While Ranbir’s remarks at the IFFI show his awareness of the impact of his work, it also highlights the ongoing responsibility of filmmakers and actors to ensure their projects contribute positively to the cultural landscape. Ultimately, the debate about violence in films is a complex issue, but it also opens the door for deeper discussions about the role of entertainment in shaping social values.