Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Wang and starring Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna, is one of the most talked-about hits of 2024. The film gained attention for its portrayal of the alpha male archetype. In addition to the leads, Bobby Deol's character, Abrar Haque, emerged as a standout villain, challenging the protagonist and winning over audiences. Director Sandeep shared that it was a deliberate choice to make Bobby's character hearing- and speech-impaired as part of his creative process.
In recent interview Sandeep revealed the creative process behind the characterization of Bobby Deol's character in Animal. He says, “We often see heroes and villains exchanging insults over the phone or engaging in dramatic confrontations, but I wanted to break away from that trope.” He deliberately introduced Bobby Deol’s character later in the film, allowing the first half to focus on developing Ranbir Kapoor’s role and his intense devotion to his father, played by Anil Kapoor.
He further added, “Since we frequently see these verbal showdowns in films, I decided to make him deaf and mute. The idea of a silent antagonist engaging in combat, especially in the climax, was thrilling.”
Released in December 2023, Animal emerged as a massive box-office success, grossing over ₹900 crore worldwide. Despite its popularity, the action-drama faced criticism for its graphic violence and alleged misogyny, with figures like Javed Akhtar and Kangana Ranaut voicing concerns. The film also starred Rashmika Mandanna in a pivotal role.