Imran Khan says Ranbir Kapoor’s recent growth is ‘hard to talk about’, admits he hasn’t seen Animal

There was a time when Bollywood found its next big promise in two fresh-faced stars arriving almost together. Imran Khan’s Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na and Ranbir Kapoor’s Saawariya didn’t just introduce actors - they launched heartthrobs. Media and audiences saw them as fresh heartthrobs, expected to carry Bollywood’s legacy forward and eventually emerge as the industry’s next superstars. Their early films built loyal fan bases, and the industry expected both to lead Hindi cinema’s future.

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Diverging Roads After Early Success

But the road ahead unfolded differently for each. A series of box-office disappointments gradually pushed Imran to slow down and eventually step away from films. His once-constant presence faded, leaving fans wondering when he would return.

Meanwhile, Ranbir stumbled, recalibrated and surged forward. With films like Wake Up Sid, Rockstar, Sanju and later Animal, he transformed setbacks into stepping stones, crafting a reputation as both a bankable star and a performer willing to take risks. Today, he stands firmly in Bollywood’s front row with several record-breaking successes to his name.

A Surprise Return and Honest Admission

Recently, Imran surprised audiences with a cameo in Happy Patel, sparking conversations about a potential full-fledged comeback. As curiosity about his return grows, so does interest in his thoughts about contemporaries - especially Ranbir Kapoor.

Speaking candidly to News18, Imran admitted he hasn’t caught up with Ranbir’s latest blockbuster and reflected on the distance he has felt from the industry in recent years.

What Imran Said

“It’s less common for actors to do films together. As a factor of that, you tend to have less of an opportunity to get to know actors within the same age bracket. In the last couple of years, I’ve fairly been disconnected from Indian cinema. I haven’t watched Animal… It’s hard to talk about his growth in the last few years. But while I was actively working, I watched all of his films," said Imran.

‘He has a strong instinct’

Despite not seeing Animal, Imran was generous with praise, emphasising Ranbir’s dedication to the craft.

“I’ve always considered him to be a tremendously strong actor. My understanding of him basis the conversations that we had is that he’s a thinking cinema person. He has a strong instinct and thinks deeply about the craft of acting and the language of cinema. And that reflects in his work," he added.

Ranbir’s Dominant Phase

Ranbir Kapoor was last seen in 2023’s hyper-violent action drama Animal, helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Though polarising in tone and themes, the film proved unstoppable at the box office, grossing over ₹900 crore worldwide and reinforcing his standing as one of Hindi cinema’s most dependable stars.

His slate ahead remains ambitious. He is currently filming Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War, a sweeping 1960s-set period drama co-starring Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, scheduled for release in June 2026. He will also headline Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part One, stepping into the iconic role of Lord Ram.

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Imran’s Next Chapter

While Ranbir Kapoor powers ahead, Imran Khan is preparing to script a new chapter of his own. With a full-fledged comeback lined up alongside Bhumi Pednekar, fans are hopeful that the actor who once defined youthful romance will rediscover his place on the big screen.