Javed Akhtar has once again sparked controversy with his remarks on the massive success of Animal, the 2023 crime drama starring Ranbir Kapoor.
In a recent interview with Mojo Story, the veteran lyricist and screenwriter clarified his earlier blunt comments, which had caused a stir when he claimed the film’s success was problematic.
Javed Akhtar Says He Says Problem Lies In Audience & Not The Film
In his latest explanation, Akhtar made it clear that he wasn’t attacking the film itself but was criticising the audience.
He said, “I did not opine on Animal, I opined on the audience. Honestly!” Akhtar then elaborated that the issue wasn’t about the makers of the film but rather about the values held by a small section of people.
He added, “If 10-12-15 people have made a film with wrong values… if 10-12 people produce a song which is vulgar, crude, obscene… that’s not the problem. If 15 out of 140 crore people are perverts or have wrong values, it’s okay, doesn’t matter. When that thing goes out in the market and becomes a superhit, that’s the problem.”
The renowned poet and screenwriter, known for his sharp words, made his feelings clear about the success of Animal.
He joked that the film’s title, in his view, was self-explanatory. “I think the basic title tells you why. The title is self-explanatory,” he added with a hint of sarcasm.
He Had Previously REACTED To A ‘Disturbing’ Scene In Animal
Earlier this year, Akhtar made headlines when he publicly expressed his concerns about a specific scene in Animal. He had heard about a moment in which the male protagonist (played by Ranbir Kapoor) demands that his love interest (Triptii Dimri) lick his shoe to prove her loyalty.
Akhtar found this scene disturbing and, despite not having watched the film, suggested that the film’s success, which grossed over Rs 500 crore at the domestic box office, reflected a troubling societal mindset. He argued that the film’s popularity highlighted the dangers of a society that would embrace such content.
Animal director Sandeep Reddy Vanga didn’t take kindly to Akhtar’s criticism. In his response, Vanga suggested that Akhtar should watch the film first to understand its context before making judgments. He also questioned the hypocrisy in Akhtar’s comments, pointing out that Akhtar’s son, Farhan Akhtar, was a co-producer on Mirzapur, a show infamous for its explicit language and mature themes.
However, Akhtar didn’t back down. In his response, he pointed out that Vanga could only find a show produced by his son’s production house, Excel Entertainment, and not one directed or written by him. Akhtar took the opportunity to highlight that Vanga couldn’t find a single example of sexism or obscenity in his own body of work, calling it “very flattering.”
(Also read: Prakash Jha Shares Update On Gangaajal 3 & Raajneeti 2; Here’s Why Ajay Devgn, Ranbir Kapoor Unlikely To Return)
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