The recently released box office sensation, Animal, featuring Ranbir Kapoor, has stirred both admiration and controversy. The portrayal of toxic masculinity and sexism within the film has triggered a spectrum of responses, including mixed reviews. Interestingly, fans of the 2011 serial Saubhagyavati Bhava, starring Karanvir Bohra as Viraj Dobriyal, found themselves drawing parallels between the toxic characters depicted by Kapoor and Bohra in their respective projects.
In a recent interview, Karanvir Bohra expressed his astonishment at the persistent adoration and utilization of his persona as a meme, particularly in the context of the ongoing discussions surrounding toxic masculinity. Bohra acknowledged that a decade ago, the television channel discovered the audience’s inclination towards characters embodying toxicity as they resonate with real-life individuals.
Karanvir Bohra Breaks Silence On The Controversy Of Misogyny In Animal
Bohra emphasized that through films and shows, creators strive to share stories inspired by the real world without necessarily endorsing or propagating ideas of domestic violence. Addressing the criticism aimed at the toxicity depicted in Animal, Bohra argued that those who critique such portrayals are essentially denying the truth.
In discussing the toxic elements present in the movie, Bohra put forth a perspective that challenges conventional norms. Bohra contended that people may not necessarily agree with a certain viewpoint, but that divergence does not render it incorrect. According to him, the essence lies in the creation of cinema that reflects diverse aspects of human life.
Bohra asserted that even if viewers get inspired by toxic male characters, contemporary women have evolved to a point where they are discerning enough not to succumb to misogyny.
He said, “We need to accept that life is not all roses and fairytales.” He further added that through films and shows, the makers just share stories of the real world and do not propagate ideas of domestic violence. He said, “There is a difference between sharing stories and propagating agendas. People who are criticising it are denying the truth. I am okay with showing misogynistic characters, but I am not okay with skin show. However, it’s my personal opinion. You cannot curb creativity. It’s all fictional, but it’s all taken from real life. I think women today have become very smart to not become victims of misogyny.”
On December 1, 2023, cinemas witnessed the grand opening of Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and featuring Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role. The film proved to be a box office smash, surpassing the Rs 750 crore mark. Despite the controversy surrounding its themes, the audience’s response reflected a widespread acceptance and appreciation for the cinematic experience delivered by Kapoor and the creative team behind Animal.
