Karan Johar calls ‘Animal’ the best film of 2023, reveals his emotional connection with it

Renowned filmmakers Karan Johar and Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the creative minds behind the 2023 blockbusters ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ and ‘Animal’ respectively, recently joined a round-table interview alongside Rima Das and Rani Mukerji. The camaraderie between Johar and Vanga was palpable, with Johar expressing profound admiration for Vanga's directorial prowess in ‘Animal.’

In the round-table interview organised by Galatta Plus, Johar lauded ‘Animal’ as the standout film of the year, describing it as a groundbreaking piece of cinema that defies conventions. Johar, known for his work in mainstream Bollywood, acknowledged the courage it took to appreciate a film that breaks away from traditional narrative structures.

Johar revealed, "Animal to me is the best film of the year. It took me a while to reach to this statement and a lot of courage because when you are around people, you fear judgment." He reminisced about a similar experience during the release of ‘Kabir Singh,’ stating that he is no longer concerned about the opinions of others when expressing his genuine admiration for a film.

Expressing his emotional connection to ‘Animal’, Johar recounted being moved to tears during the film's climax. He praised the film's conviction-based narrative, unconventional storytelling, and its ability to challenge mainstream cinema norms. The director highlighted a particularly poignant moment in the climax where the two protagonists engage in a brutal fight while a song plays in the background, showcasing the film's unique and genius approach.

‘Animal’ revolves around a tumultuous father-son relationship, with Ranbir Kapoor essaying the role of Rannvijay Singh seeking revenge after an assassination attempt on his father. The film, featuring a star-studded cast including Anil Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Bobby Deol, has not only garnered critical acclaim but also crossed the Rs 500 crore mark at the domestic box office, solidifying its status as a game-changing success.