Actor Bobby Deol spoke about the controversial marital rape scene in his new film Animal, and said that it was absolutely necessary. Much has been said about the film’s depiction of toxic masculinity, and its apparent glorification of misogynist behaviour. Previously, Bobby’s co-stars in the film Triptii Dimri and Mansi Taxak, also spoke about some of its most controversial moments.
In an interview with The Quint, Bobby said that he doesn’t pay attention to reviews – Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor, has been trashed by critics – because they’re a ‘waste of energy’. He also said that he doesn’t view his character Abrar as a villain at all. Asked about the marital rape scene in the film, Bobby became flustered and said, “I’m not trying to promote anything. Yes, it was required. How do you showcase a character in such a short span, show what this man is capable of, what kind of person he is? All these scenes were required.” When it was pointed out that films have the power to influence the masses, and that the masses already worship movie stars in India, Bobby said, “We are influenced by what is happening in society as filmmakers. What is written, as a story, is an influence of what is happening in society. It exists in our society. We are not promoting it. We are actors, portraying characters, entertaining people. And if that was the case, this film wouldn’t be a big hit.”
Also read – Animal box office collection day 12: Ranbir Kapoor’s controversial blockbuster aims for Rs 800 crore mark before weekend, posts lowest single-day haul
Bobby said that his web series, Aashram, was also controversial. But audiences love it, and it continues to draw huge viewership numbers. “I can’t get influenced by a film. Maybe you’ll get influenced to dance with a glass on your head,” he said. Bobby was then asked about the perceived misogyny of the film, and if it’s wise to show such behaviour in a film. He said, “This is what’s happening in our society, and (Animal) is creating awareness that this kind of cruelty happens in the world we live in. I’ve seen it personally in so many places.”
Previously, actor Mansi Taxak, who plays the youngest of Abrar’s three wives, the character who is at the receiving end of his wrath in a rape scene, contradicted herself by claiming that despite no violence having taken place, Abrar’s actions were explained in the film. “It was just that Bobby sir did not expect his brother’s death news to come on the wedding, which puts the character into a zone where he couldn’t think straight. And that’s what we’re talking about, right? Animal instincts are unpredictable instincts. So he goes into that zone, and to vent out his emotions, he comes to his wives. I don’t think it was intended to be any sort of assault. I didn’t feel it on the set, or in the script. That was not the case. It was just a relationship between two people that has panned out the way it did,” she told Zoom Entertainment.
Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Animal stars Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role, with Rashmika Mandanna and Anil Kapoor in supporting roles. Animal has earned more than Rs 450 crore in India, and more than Rs 750 crore worldwide.
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Bobby Deol defends marital rape scene in Animal, says Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film is ‘creating awareness’ – The Indian Express
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