Bollywood had a great year in 2023, with some of its films smashing box office records. Pathaan, directed by Siddharth Anand, was the first film in the series, released on January 25, 2023. The first Hindi movie to earn more than Rs. 1000 crore globally was Pathaan. By year’s end, Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, was also a tremendous smash, grossing Rs. 900 crore to become the highest-grossing A-rated movie ever.
Animal earned the Best Film prize at the IIFA 2024 awards, which were held in Abu Dhabi from September 27 to September 29, 2024. However, Siddharth Anand’s post has sparked considerable discussion online. Some believe he made a snide remark regarding Animal’s victory.
Director, Siddharth Anand tweeted, "For me, the film of the year & the Director of the year? ANIMAL." This was perceived by some internet users as a lighthearted but deceptive attack at Sandeep Reddy Vanga. One Reddit member said, “Bro casually addressing Vanga as Animal,” after seeing his post.
In many respects, Pathaan, directed by Siddharth Anand was a landmark movie for Bollywood. First of all, it signalled Shah Rukh Khan’s triumphant return following a five-year hiatus and it revived Hindi cinema’s successful run at the box office. But, Siddharth believes that Animal is deserving of that distinction. Animal, which starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Bobby Deol, was released in December 2023 to a mixed critical reception but was a commercial triumph, earning over Rs. 900 crore.
Many were surprised to see Siddharth praising Animal because it was a divisive and contentious movie. The movie received accolades for the stealler performance of the cast and drew criticism for glorifying violence and misogyny.
The film’s director, Sandeep and the protagonist, Ranbir Kapoor had fiercely defended it. However, Shah Rukh fans are not too pleased with Siddharth’s choice, given as he chose the film over his own Pathaan and SRK’s other 2023 hit, Jawan.
Online users were quick to point out that director, Sanjay Gupta had also expressed his thoughts over actor, Ranbir’s defeat at the hands of filmmaker, Sandeep Reddy. He declared:
“Nothing will reveal the hypocrisy of award shows more than the fact that they refuse to award Best Director to Sandeep Reddy Vanga for Animal and Best Actor to Ranbir Kapoor.”
It's unclear from Siddharth Anand’s tweet if it was a mild criticism or honest praise. Animal took home the Best Film prize, but Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail took home the Best Director honour. Shah Rukh Khan, on the other hand, had such a successful year professionally. He won Best Actor for Jawan, becoming the only performer to have two films grossing Rs. 1000 crores in a single year. Fans have debated Siddharth Anand’s tweet, wondering if it was a lighthearted remark or something more. This argument merely serves to highlight the success stories of Pathaan and Animal, two films that have had a significant impact on Bollywood.
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