Bobby Deol breaks silence on ‘overshadowing’ Ranbir Kapoor in Animal, 'Abrar’s impact existed because...'

Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal (2023) presented the audience with a side of Ranbir Kapoor they had never witnessed before. The film, despite facing criticism for allegedly glorifying violence and misogyny, emerged as a colossal box office success.

It also became a defining milestone in Bobby Deol’s career, marking his powerful comeback. His portrayal of Abrar Haque - intense, silent, and menacing - left a lasting impression. Many even claimed that Bobby 'overshadowed' Ranbir in the few scenes he appeared. But what does the actor himself think of this comparison?

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'If Ranbir hadn’t...'

Ranbir Kapoor’s performance in Animal was undeniably one of his finest, but Bobby Deol’s entry as Abrar, dancing to Jamal Kudu with a fierce aura and no dialogues, became an instant cultural moment. His powerful performance even earned him the title 'Lord Bobby' on social media.

Well, during a recent conversation with Filmygyan, Bobby humbly dismissed the idea that his role outshone Ranbir’s. He said, “Aisa kuchh nahi hai. Agar Ranbir ko 3 ghante sambhaalne the, mujhe sirf 15 minute sambhaalne the. Agar Ranbir woh 3 ghante nahi sambhaal paata toh mere 15 minute ka koi value nahi hota.”

Bobby credited Ranbir’s performance as the foundation for Abrar’s impact, adding, “Isliye hua kyunki Ranbir ka character, jis hisaab se Ranbir ne usse perform kiya... agar usne theek se nahi kiya hota naa, toh mera aana, matlab hi nahi rakhta.”

A Battle Between Equals

The actor went on to praise director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s vision, explaining the importance of balance between hero and villain in such narratives.

“I was lucky that Sandeep... See, an action film, a drama, only works when you have a strong antagonist and a strong protagonist, and they both have to really work towards winning. It can't be, yeh shuru se pata hai ki yeh toh hero hi jeetega. Phir maza nahi aata, audience ko bhi maza nahi aata.”

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What Lies Ahead for Animal Universe

Though Abrar met his end in Animal, the legacy of the character continues to spark discussions. Meanwhile, Ranbir Kapoor is set to reprise his role in the sequel, Animal Park. On his birthday this year, the actor confirmed that filming for the much-anticipated sequel will begin in 2027, promising yet another high-octane cinematic chapter from Vanga’s world.