An adult-rated film, nearly three-and-a-half hours long, and relentless violence—Animal had many factors going against it. But four days since its release, Ranbir Kapoor’s action drama has reportedly amassed R246 crore across languages. This, despite Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s directorial venture being criticised for its violence and misogyny. 

Bihar-based exhibitor Vishek Chauhan says Kapoor’s anti-hero protagonist is precisely why the film is doing unimaginable business. “Sandeep Reddy Vanga flips the tools of commercial cinema. You have a protagonist, who is a villain, but the audiences are rooting for him. It takes you back to Shah Rukh Khan in Baazigar [1993].