It's controversial/ Animal director Sandeep Vanga defends 'lick my shoe' scene between Ranbir Kapoor, Triptii Dimri

Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal has been one of the biggest box office successes for a Bollywood film. In its 19-day run, it has already become the 4th highest-grossing Hindi film of 2023 followed only behind Jawa, OPatahaan and Gadar 2. While viewers love Sandeep Reddy Vanga's directorial, a section of the audience has labelled it "misogynistic".  One such scene in the film that has attracted a lot of criticism is where Ranbir's character Ranvijay asks Zoya (Triptii Dimri) to lick his shoe. In an interview, Sandeep defended the scene and broke down the meaning behind it.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga explains the meaning behind viral Animal scene

In the pre-climax of Animal, Ranvijay asks Zoya, who is seemingly in love with him, to lick his shoes. Many called out the scene for its "problematic" nature. However, Sandeep broke down the scene in an interview with Galatta as he explained the emotions and motivation for Ranvijay to do what he did. He also emphasised that many viewers did not understand the meaning behind it and how it sets up the relationship between Zoya and Ranvijay for the sequel, which has been titled Animal Park.

Sandeep breaks down the 'lick my shoe' scene between Ranvijay and Zoya

"I did not want to piss somebody or irritate somebody. It was like 'I knew you were a mole. I knew came here to harm me.' But how so much acting you did, there is one little side of Ranvijay, there is a moment. You can't say they are fully acting. She thought she would cheat on you and she gave up. But you knew that she was cheating you and double-cheated her. And at one point you understood as a man that she is really giving that warmth. There is a mild connection that he does not want to accept in front of his wife. Maybe he also hates it a little that he got connected with Zoya. So when she opened up, why did you say lick my shoe? Because she said she really loved you and I can't handle your hatred. I see how much you love your father. If possible, forgive me and don't hate me. He wants to prove it. Its a very fine line that means you got connected. That is why you are testing her. Some got that but many said oh, my god he is asking her to lick his shoe. The point is you know you are connected and it's a dark hole you are going in knowing it will screw you completely. This is a planting for part 2 and I thought it was a very nice way to do it. People thought about the boot licking but not the emotion."

Meanwhile, in India, Animal has grossed ₹523 crore for its Hindi version alone. Globally, it has crossed ₹840 crore mark.