Kangana Ranaut’s throwback video on problematic characters goes viral amid Animal row: ‘Such characters justify…’

She says, “I’m not saying there shouldn’t be dark cinema or that the reality shouldn’t be shown. But if it’s shown, showing its consequences is also important. How it affects the girl and her future and how it affects the boy as well. So, there cannot be a happy ending.”

Kangana emphasised how such people start believing that actions of film heroes are inspired by them. She said, “Such boys start ragging others when they grow up. They not only harass girls but everyone, even their parents. They are antisocial people who are problematic for everyone. They feel that such characters in movies justify their behaviour. They’ll wear the same shirt as the character and convince themselves that they are right because films are being made about them. They think the heroes are inspired by them.”

Earlier, an old video interview of Aamir Khan, speaking against the portrayal of violence on-screen, was also shared widely on the internet. In the video, the actor explained how ‘directors who aren’t that talented’ use violence as a tool to make their films successful.

Lyricist and writer Swanand Kirkire also expressed his discomfort over Animal’s treatment of women. He shared how the film is taking the future of Indian cinema towards a more ‘dangerous and scary’ direction.

However, despite the backlash, Animal is having a successful run at the ticket counters. The film, within five days of its release, has crossed the Rs 250 crore mark in the domestic market. Globally, the film is eyeing the coveted Rs 500 crore mark.