Animal movie is like a disease: Congress MP lashes out at film for promoting violence, misogyny

New Delhi: Ranbir Kapoor starrer blockbuster film Animal is not only doing rounds in movie atres but also in Indian Parliament, however, reasons are different. 

While movie garnered massive accoles from audience, it attracted sharp criticism in Rajya Sabha with a Member of Parliament likening movie to a ‘disease for society’. 

What did Rajya Sabha MP say

Rajya Sabha Congress Member of Parliament Ranjit Ranjan raised Animal movie issue in Parliament referring to consequences it can have on society. 

In a recent statement, MP expressed deep concern over content of a movie that prompted her daughter to walk out of atre. Ranjan criticized film for its portrayal of violence, shame, and lawlessness, alleging that it seemed to justify such behaviours. She argued that movies with such mes contribute to promotion of violence and misogyny in society.

Highlighting a specific concern, Ranjan pointed to a song titled "Arjan Vailly" featured in movie. She underscored historical significance of Arjan Vailly, son of Sikh military commander Hari Singh Nalwa, who played a crucial role in Sikh Empire during early 19th century. Arjan Vailly was renowned for his bravery, strategic brilliance, and unwavering loyalty. His notable achievements in battles against Mughals and British have earned him a revered place in Sikh history. Ranjan expressed dismay at use of such a historical figure in a movie that she described as violent.

Questioning role of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Ranjan raised concerns about how such a movie received approval for release. She called into question criteria used by CBFC in evaluating and certifying films with potentially harmful content. Ranjan went on to categorize movies of this nature as a "disease" for society, emphasizing negative impact such content can have on cultural fabric.

statement by Ranjit Ranjan highlights ongoing debate surrounding portrayal of violence, lawlessness, and misogyny in cinema and responsibility of regulatory bodies to ensure that films do not propagate harmful ideologies or glorify negative behaviours.

‘Animal’ continues to break records 

Continuing its box office dominance, Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal showed no signs of slowing down on weekdays. Opening at ₹63.8 crore on December 1, film surged to ₹137.73 crore over weekend. Despite a 34.48% dip on Monday, Animal crossed ₹200 crore milestone. Now, within a swift six days, it has achieved an impressive ₹300 crore mark.

Day 6 triumph: ₹30 crore haul

Early estimates suggest Animal raked in ₹30 crore on Wednesday in India, reaching a cumulative ₹312.96 crore. Hindi occupancy remained robust at 34.88%, with a notable 48.74% for night shows. In Telugu market, overall occupancy stood at 25.67%.

Global roar: ₹527.6 crore worldwide

On worldwide stage, Sandeep Reddy Vanga's directorial has amassed ₹527.6 crore. Starting with ₹116 crore on opening day, film's cumulative global collection soared to ₹481 crore by Tuesday. With this trajectory, Animal inches closer to potentially surpassing Ranbir's current highest-grossing film, Sanju.