Veteran actor and filmmaker Puneet Issar has come out in strong support of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor, describing the film as “amazing” and defending its depiction of raw masculinity and violence — aspects that have sparked intense debate in both critical circles and social media.
Issar, known for his iconic roles in action-driven films and television, voiced his admiration for Animal during a recent interaction, applauding the film’s bold storytelling and Ranbir Kapoor’s powerful performance. “It was intense, gripping, and brilliantly acted,” he said, emphasizing that such stories — centered around flawed, emotionally complex male characters — have a valid place in cinema.
The discussion took a sharper turn as Issar addressed the backlash that Animal received from certain quarters, particularly those who criticized it for glorifying toxic masculinity and physical aggression. In defense of such narratives, Issar questioned the prevailing criticism and asked why cinema should be limited to particular themes.
“Why should filmmakers only tell stories revolving around lesbians or gays?” he asked, making a larger point about the evolving but often rigid expectations placed on filmmakers today. “There should be space for all kinds of stories — whether it’s a soft romance, an LGBTQ narrative, or a gritty, masculine tale. Cinema is about variety and freedom of expression.”
His comments come at a time when films like Animal are polarizing audiences — with some hailing their daring approach and others critiquing their portrayal of hypermasculinity and violence. Issar argued that just as sensitive, inclusive narratives are important, so are stories that explore other aspects of human nature, including aggression, family trauma, and male vulnerability — themes central to Animal.
He stressed that storytelling should reflect a wide spectrum of human emotion and experience. “Cinema isn’t meant to please everyone,” he said. “It’s supposed to challenge, provoke, and portray life in all its forms — the good, the bad, and everything in between.”
While his remarks have stirred a mix of reactions online — with some supporting his stance on creative freedom and others questioning the implications of such portrayals — Issar stood firm in his belief that art should not be confined by political or social correctness.
In a landscape where content is increasingly scrutinized through ideological lenses, Puneet Issar’s defense of Animal adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about what kind of stories Indian cinema should be telling — and who gets to decide.
