In a recent debate between screenwriters Gazal Dhaliwal and Saurabh Dwivedi, the dialogue writer of Ranbir Kapoor's blockbuster Animal defended some of the film's most divisive elements. Dwivedi argued that while the character of Abrar, played by Bobby Deol, faced backlash for being a ‘Muslim villain', little criticism was aimed at Ranbir's demonic hero despite him being Hindu.
The Sandeep Reddy Vanga directorial Animal took the box office by storm last December but also generated heated discussions online. Some praised its raw intensity while others called out problematic portrayals of women and violence. In their discussion, Dhaliwal and Dwivedi examined specific scenes and the impact such a film could have.
When it comes to pushing creative boundaries, controversy will often follow. But Dwivedi makes a valid point – should religion really determine how a character is judged? As a society, we must be willing to have complex discussions and evaluate all aspects of a film, not just those that fit a particular narrative. Debates like this provide an opportunity for growth as the entertainment industry continues navigating sensitive topics.
