Vikas Divyakirti feels sad that Ranbir Kapoor did Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal: 'His father was a good actor, and his mother was also'

Ranbir Kapoor’s 2023 action family drama Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, quickly became the third highest-grossing film of the year, trailing only behind Shah Rukh Khan starrer Jawan and Pathaan. The film garnered a blend of praise and critique upon its release. Many of the critics, including former civil servant Vikas Divyakirti, pointed out the toxic masculinity and violence it promotes while many appreciated Ranbir's performance.
In a recent interview with ANI, Divyakirti, who also appeared as himself in Vikrant Massey’s 12th Fail, shared that he felt quite sad when Ranbir took that film. He praised Ranbir for his acting skills and intelligence, though he expressed disappointment about the film Animal, suggesting that its purpose or impact was unclear to him.
"Although he made a film - Animal, I don't know why. I am a little sad about that film, but…His father was a good actor, and his mother was also. He has moved ahead of them. In the film industry, I talked to many people, and they all agree that he has a wide range. And he does justice to every role,” Divyakirti said. He further agreed with the host that, despite being a product of nepotism, Ranbir has proven his worth through his talent and hard work after initial opportunities.

This isn’t the first time the educationist has criticized Vanga’s film. In an earlier interview with Neelesh Misra, Divyakirti stated that a movie like Animal sets society back by 10 years. “A film like this shouldn’t be made. You made money by showing your hero acting like an animal. There should be some social value, or are people only working for financial gain?” Divyakirti had said.

He had also highlighted a scene where Ranbir's character asks Triptii Dimri’s character to lick his shoes to prove her loyalty, questioning what might happen if boys with a ‘feudal mindset’ tried to do the same with their girlfriends. “It’s very sad that we are making such vulgar and disrespectful films,” Divyakirti had mentioned.
At the box office, Animal scored Rs 915 crore worldwide.