Javed Akhtar Clarifies Controversial Remarks on Animal: “The Problem Lies With the Audience”
Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar, known for his outspoken views, has sparked discussions once again with his comments on Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s 2023 family crime drama Animal. The film, starring Ranbir Kapoor, has been a box office juggernaut, earning over ₹500 crore domestically. However, Javed’s sharp critique wasn’t about the film itself but the audience’s response to it. In an interview with Mojo Story, he explained his earlier remarks and shed light on his perspective.
Javed Akhtar’s Take on Animal and Its Audience
In the interview, Javed Akhtar clarified that his critique wasn’t aimed directly at Animal or its makers. Instead, he pointed to societal values reflected in the film’s success. He said, “I did not opine on Animal, I opined on the audience. Honestly! I believe if 10-12-15 people have made a film with wrong values… if 10-12 people produce a song which is vulgar, crude, obscene… that’s not the problem. If 15 out of 140 crore people are perverts or have wrong values, it’s okay, doesn’t matter. When that thing goes out in the market and becomes a superhit, that’s the problem.”
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Javed emphasized that the troubling aspect isn’t the content being produced but its widespread acceptance and celebration. He suggested that the film’s runaway success might reflect deeper issues within society.
The Controversial Scene in Animal
One of the most debated moments in Animal involves Ranbir Kapoor’s character demanding that his love interest, played by Triptii Dimri, lick his shoe to prove her love and loyalty. This scene has been criticized for promoting toxic masculinity and degrading gender dynamics. While Javed admitted he hadn’t watched the film, he remarked that he had heard about the scene, which he deemed problematic.
“I think the basic title tells you why. The title is self-explanatory,” Javed quipped, referring to the film’s name, Animal, implying it symbolizes the primal and perhaps regressive tendencies reflected in its narrative.
Society’s Role in Endorsing Such Content
Javed’s broader critique goes beyond Animal and delves into societal values. The film’s massive earnings and popularity, despite its controversial themes, led him to question the moral compass of the audience. He argued that the success of such content reflects a demand for it, indicating societal complicity in endorsing regressive narratives.
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In his words, the issue lies not in the existence of problematic art but in its acceptance and celebration by the masses. According to Javed, this societal endorsement can perpetuate harmful values and normalize them.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Response
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his bold storytelling, didn’t take kindly to Javed Akhtar’s remarks. In response, he suggested that Javed should watch the film to understand its context before passing judgment. Sandeep also accused Javed of hypocrisy, pointing out that his son, Farhan Akhtar, is associated with Mirzapur, a web series infamous for its explicit language and violent content.
Sandeep’s defense highlighted a recurring debate in creative industries: the context in which controversial content is presented. The director argued that judging isolated scenes without considering their narrative context can lead to misinterpretation.
Javed’s Counter-Retort
Javed Akhtar was quick to respond to Sandeep’s allegations of hypocrisy. He pointed out that the only example Sandeep could find was Mirzapur, a show co-produced by Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment but not written or directed by him. Javed saw this as a testament to the absence of vulgarity or sexism in his own body of work.
“The fact that Sandeep couldn’t find even an instance of sexism or obscenity in my filmography or discography is very flattering,” Javed remarked. This statement not only defended his personal integrity but also underscored his commitment to producing content aligned with his values.
The Larger Conversation Around Animal
The debate between Javed Akhtar and Sandeep Reddy Vanga extends beyond the film itself, touching upon broader questions about art, audience responsibility, and societal values. Animal is not the first film to polarize audiences, nor will it be the last. However, the conversation it has sparked highlights the delicate balance between creative freedom and social accountability.
While filmmakers often argue for the right to portray complex, flawed characters and narratives, critics like Javed Akhtar remind us of the cultural impact of such portrayals. When a film becomes a blockbuster, it gains a platform to influence societal norms and behaviors, whether consciously or subconsciously.
A Broader Reflection on Bollywood’s Evolution
Bollywood has long been a reflection of societal values, oscillating between progressive and regressive narratives. Films like Animal showcase the tension between commercial success and moral critique. On the one hand, the industry thrives on pushing boundaries and exploring taboo topics. On the other hand, it faces the responsibility of shaping cultural discourse.
Javed Akhtar’s comments serve as a reminder that art doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It is both influenced by and an influence on society. As such, the success of a film like Animal invites introspection not just from filmmakers but from audiences as well.
Conclusion
Javed Akhtar’s critique of Animal and its audience is less about the film itself and more about the societal values it reflects. His remarks underscore the need for a more discerning audience, one that questions the narratives it consumes and endorses. At the same time, the debate between him and Sandeep Reddy Vanga highlights the complexity of creative expression and its reception.
As Bollywood continues to evolve, the Animal controversy serves as a case study in the power of cinema to provoke, polarize, and inspire dialogue. Whether one agrees with Javed Akhtar or Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the conversation itself is a testament to the enduring impact of art on society.