Anil Kapoor recently took to social media to commemorate the 2-year anniversary of the 2023 action thriller Animal, posting a heartfelt note: “2 years of a film that didn’t just release, it erupted #2YearsofAnimal.” The post, accompanied by a behind-the-scenes collage, highlights Kapoor’s dynamic presence on set alongside co-stars, reflecting the film’s enduring cultural impact and fan admiration.
Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Animal stars Ranbir Kapoor in dual roles, with Anil Kapoor portraying the stern patriarch Balbir Singh. The film explores the strained father-son relationship between Balbir and Ranvijay Singh, intensifying as Ranvijay embarks on a vengeful mission following an assassination attempt on his father. Critics lauded Anil Kapoor for his restrained intensity and compelling chemistry with Ranbir, a standout performance.
Produced jointly by T-Series Films, Bhadrakali Pictures, and Cine1 Studios, the film was officially announced in January 2021, with principal photography spanning April 2022 to April 2023. Cinematography by Amit Roy and a diverse soundtrack featuring Pritam, JAM8, Vishal Mishra, and others enhanced the film’s dramatic and emotional impact. At a runtime of 204 minutes, Animal became one of the longest Indian films ever made.
Released theatrically on 1 December 2023 in standard and IMAX formats, Animal achieved enormous commercial success despite mixed reviews. It grossed approximately ₹918 crore worldwide, making it the third highest-grossing Indian film of 2023 and the highest-grossing A-rated Indian film, as well as the biggest hit of Ranbir Kapoor’s career. The film’s post-credits scene teased a sequel, Animal Park, which is now in early development.
Animal also earned critical recognition, receiving 19 nominations at the 69th Filmfare Awards and winning six, including Best Actor for Ranbir Kapoor. At the 71st National Film Awards, it took home three awards, including Special Mention, Best Background Music, and Best Sound Design, cementing its place as a landmark action drama in contemporary Bollywood.