Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi has finally addressed the speculation surrounding his alleged dislike for Ranbir Kapoor’s blockbuster film Animal. In a recent interview, Emraan cleared the air, saying he never “hated” the movie and, in fact, respected director Sandeep Reddy Vanga for creating an “uncorrupted” and fearless piece of cinema.
The actor’s clarification comes months after the film sparked polarizing debates across social media for its portrayal of masculinity, family conflict, and raw emotion. While Animal became one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of 2023, it also faced heavy criticism for its intense violence and controversial depiction of relationships.
Emraan Sets the Record Straight
During a promotional conversation for his upcoming project, Emraan Hashmi was asked about his views on Animal and whether he had reservations about its content. Dismissing the rumors outright, the actor said,
“I never said I hated Animal. People twisted my comments. I actually respect what Sandeep Reddy Vanga did — he made a bold, uncorrupted film that stayed true to his vision.”
Emraan emphasized that while Animal may not align with everyone’s personal taste, the director’s commitment to telling his story without dilution deserves appreciation.
“Every filmmaker has a voice, and Vanga’s voice is loud, passionate, and unapologetic. You can agree or disagree with his style, but you can’t deny his conviction. That’s rare in today’s industry,” he added.
The “Uncorrupted” Vision of Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Calling Animal “uncompromised and uncorrupted,” Emraan praised Sandeep Reddy Vanga for standing by his artistic instincts.
“Most films today go through so much filtering — producers, test audiences, marketing concerns — that the original idea often gets diluted. But Animal was raw. It didn’t cater to trends or social media reactions. That’s what I meant when I said it’s uncorrupted,” the actor explained.
Vanga, who previously directed Kabir Singh and Arjun Reddy, has developed a reputation for making emotionally charged and controversial dramas. Emraan noted that while not everyone may agree with Vanga’s style, his courage to tell uncomfortable stories is what sets him apart.
Animal’s Impact and Polarizing Reception
Released in December 2023, Animal starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, and Rashmika Mandanna in key roles. The film explored the complex and turbulent relationship between a father and son, set against a backdrop of intense emotion, family loyalty, and brutal violence.
Despite its three-hour runtime and graphic storytelling, Animal became one of the highest-grossing Indian films ever, surpassing ₹900 crore globally. However, the movie’s success was accompanied by heavy criticism. Some called it a masterpiece of modern Indian cinema, while others labeled it toxic and problematic for its portrayal of aggression and gender dynamics.
Emraan Hashmi, who is known for his nuanced performances and realistic take on human flaws, said that Animal should be seen as a reflection of complex emotions rather than a glorification of them.
“Cinema is meant to provoke, question, and make you feel something — even discomfort. Animal did that. It wasn’t made to please everyone, and that’s exactly why it worked,” he noted.
Emraan’s Perspective on Filmmaking Freedom
The actor further elaborated on why he values filmmakers like Sandeep Reddy Vanga who refuse to play it safe.
“When you start censoring creativity based on what’s comfortable or politically correct, cinema loses its soul. We should encourage storytellers to express themselves freely — whether we agree with them or not. That’s what keeps the art alive,” he said.
Emraan also pointed out that audiences are becoming more accepting of bold narratives and morally complex characters, which allows filmmakers to experiment without fear.
“People today are not looking for heroes who are perfect. They want truth, even if it’s messy. And that’s exactly what Animal delivered,” he added.
Fans React to Emraan’s Comments
After his clarification, fans on social media praised Emraan Hashmi for his balanced and thoughtful take on the Animal controversy. Many appreciated his stance on respecting creative freedom and avoiding judgment based solely on personal bias.
One fan wrote on X, “Emraan Hashmi always speaks sense. You can disagree with a film’s message but still respect its craft — that’s maturity.” Another added, “Finally, someone from Bollywood has defended creative honesty instead of jumping on the outrage bandwagon.”
What’s Next for Emraan Hashmi
On the professional front, Emraan Hashmi has several exciting projects lined up, including a major action-thriller and a biopic that’s reportedly in the works. His recent performances — particularly in Tiger 3 alongside Salman Khan — have earned him renewed praise from critics and audiences alike.
Known for his ability to portray complex emotions with understated intensity, Emraan continues to evolve as one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors. His latest comments also reinforce his reputation as someone who values authenticity and artistic courage over popularity.
Final Thoughts
By calling Animal an “uncorrupted film,” Emraan Hashmi has highlighted a powerful truth about filmmaking — that honesty of expression often matters more than universal approval. In an era where creative voices are frequently criticized or silenced, his support for Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s bold storytelling stands out as a mature and balanced perspective.
Whether you loved or hated Animal, one thing is certain — the film, much like its director and stars, continues to spark conversation, and that’s exactly what great cinema should do.
