View source for Animal 2023 Indian film

{{Short description|2023 Indian film by Sandeep Reddy Vanga}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox film
| image          = Animal (2023 film) poster.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director       = [[Sandeep Reddy Vanga]]
| screenplay     = {{ubl | Sandeep Reddy Vanga | Pranay Reddy Vanga | Suresh Bandaru}} {{Infobox|decat=yes|child=yes|label1= Dialogues by| data1= Saurabh Gupta}}
| story          = Sandeep Reddy Vanga
| producer       = {{ubl | [[Bhushan Kumar]] | [[Krishan Kumar (actor)|Krishan Kumar]] | [[Murad Khetani]] | Pranay Reddy Vanga}}
| starring       = {{Plainlist|
* [[Ranbir Kapoor]]
* [[Anil Kapoor]]
* [[Bobby Deol]]
* [[Rashmika Mandanna]]
* [[Tripti Dimri]]
* [[Shakti Kapoor]]
* [[Suresh Oberoi]]
* [[Prem Chopra]]
}}
| cinematography = [[Amit Roy]]
| editing        = Sandeep Reddy Vanga
| music          = {{ubl
  | '''Songs:'''
  | [[Pritam]]
  | [[JAM8]]
  | [[Vishal Mishra (composer)|Vishal Mishra]]
  | [[Manan Bhardwaj]]
  | Bhupinder Babbal
  | [[Shreyas Puranik]]
  | [[Jaani (songwriter)|Jaani]]
  | Ashim Kemson
  | [[Ajay–Atul]]
  | [[Harshavardhan Rameshwar]]
  | Gurinder Seagal
  | '''Score:'''
  | Harshavardhan Rameshwar
  }}
| studio         = {{plainlist|
*[[T-Series (company)|T-Series Films]]
*Bhadrakali Pictures
*Cine1 Studios
}}
| distributor    = [[#Distribution|see below]]
| released       = {{Film date|df=y|2023|12|1}}
| country        = India
| language       = Hindi
| runtime        = 203 minutes<ref name="BHR">{{Cite web |first=Fenil |last=Seta |date=28 November 2023 |title=Animal EXCLUSIVE: CBFC removes close-up shots in an intimate scene; ‘suitably’ modifies cuss words in the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/amp/news/bollywood/animal-exclusive-cbfc-removes-close-shots-intimate-scene-suitably-modifies-cuss-words-ranbir-kapoor-starrer/ |access-date=28 November 2023 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref>
| budget         = {{INR|100 crore}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 October 2023 |title=Trade experts predict who will win as Shah Rukh Khan's Dunki clashes with Prabhas' Salaar, Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal compete and Katrina Kaif and Sidharth Malhotra square off in December – Exclusive |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/trade-experts-predict-who-will-win-as-shah-rukh-khans-dunki-clashes-with-prabhas-salaar-ranbir-kapoor-and-vicky-kaushal-compete-and-katrina-kaif-and-sidharth-malhotra-square-off-in-december-exclusive/articleshow/104562227.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117153903/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/trade-experts-predict-who-will-win-as-shah-rukh-khans-dunki-clashes-with-prabhas-salaar-ranbir-kapoor-and-vicky-kaushal-compete-and-katrina-kaif-and-sidharth-malhotra-square-off-in-december-exclusive/articleshow/104562227.cms?frmapp=yes&from=mdr |archive-date=17 November 2023 |access-date=26 October 2023 |work=[[The Times of India]] |quote=Animal,' directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, of 'Kabir Singh' fame, is backed by a hefty budget of reportedly Rs 100 crore.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=21 July 2023 |title=Ranbir Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, Ranveer Singh- The new pillars of Bollywood |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-rising-stars-of-bollywood-ranveer-singh-kartik-aaryan-and-ranbir-kapoor-the-future-of-the-industry-101689934719505.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722094255/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-rising-stars-of-bollywood-ranveer-singh-kartik-aaryan-and-ranbir-kapoor-the-future-of-the-industry-101689934719505.html |archive-date=22 July 2023 |access-date=22 July 2023 |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |quote=The film, which will see Ranbir Kapoor in an absolutely new avatar, is said to be made on a budget of ₹100 crore, and is set to release on December 1.}}</ref>
| gross          = {{INR|917.82 crore}}<ref name="Animal Box Office">{{Cite web |date=2 January 2024 |title=Animal Box Office |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/animal/box-office/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102065840/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/animal/box-office/ |archive-date=2 January 2024 |access-date=9 January 2024 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref>
}}

'''''Animal''''' is a 2023 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[action drama film]]<ref name=BBFC/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Classification Information |url=https://imdaonline.imda.gov.sg/classification/search/film/RatingInfo.aspx?sType=Feature&sRowID=AAAgZnAAAAAAGdiAAD |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806071923/https://imdaonline.imda.gov.sg/classification/search/film/RatingInfo.aspx?sType=Feature&sRowID=AAAgZnAAAAAAGdiAAD |archive-date=6 August 2024 |website=[[Infocomm Media Development Authority]] |quote=“Animal” is an action drama that revolves around a man’s quest for vengeance after he realises that his father’s life is in danger.}}</ref> co-written, directed and edited by [[Sandeep Reddy Vanga]] and jointly produced by [[T-Series Films]], Bhadrakali Pictures and Cine1 Studios. The film stars [[Ranbir Kapoor]] in [[Dual role|dual roles]], alongside [[Anil Kapoor]], also in [[Dual role|dual roles]], [[Bobby Deol]], [[Rashmika Mandanna]] and [[Triptii Dimri]]. It explores the troubled relationship between Ranvijay Singh and his father, Balbir Singh, a powerful [[business magnate|industrialist]]. After spending years abroad he returns home and embarks on a ruthless quest for vengeance after an assassination attempt on his father.

The film was officially announced in January 2021. [[Principal photography]] began in April 2022 and [[Wrap (filmmaking)|wrapped]] by April 2023, with cinematography by Amit Roy. The film's [[Animal (soundtrack)|soundtrack album]] was composed by [[Pritam]], [[JAM8]], [[Vishal Mishra (composer)|Vishal Mishra]], [[Jaani (songwriter)|Jaani]], Manan Bhardwaj, Shreyas Puranik, Ashim Kemson and [[Harshavardhan Rameshwar]]. With a runtime of 204 minutes, ''Animal'' is one of the [[List of longest films in India|longest Indian films]] ever made. It was initially set for an August 2023 release but was postponed due to post-production work.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2024-01-13 |title=Anurag Kashyap calls Sandeep Reddy Vanga 'misunderstood, judged filmmaker', says Animal is game changer of Hindi cinema |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/anurag-kashyap-calls-sandeep-reddy-vanga-misunderstood-judged-filmmaker-says-animal-is-game-changer-of-hindi-cinema-101705115902089.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130080004/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/anurag-kashyap-calls-sandeep-reddy-vanga-misunderstood-judged-filmmaker-says-animal-is-game-changer-of-hindi-cinema-101705115902089.html |archive-date=30 January 2024 |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>

''Animal'' was theatrically released on 1 December 2023, in standard and [[IMAX]] formats to mixed reviews, with praise for its cast performances, direction, screenwriting, soundtrack, cinematography, action sequences and technical aspects but faced severe criticism for its themes and graphic violence. However, the film did very well commercially, both domestically and internationally. It grossed {{INRConvert|917.82|c}} worldwide, making it the [[List of Indian films of 2023|third highest-grossing Indian film of 2023]], the [[List of highest-grossing Hindi films#Global gross figures|fifth highest-grossing Hindi film]], the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films|eleventh highest-grossing Indian film]] and third highest-grossing [[A certificate|A-rated]] Indian film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-08 |title=Animal box office collection Day 8 early report: Ranbir Kapoor-starrer becomes highest grossing 'A' rated film |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/animal-box-office-collection-day-8-early-report-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-becomes-highest-grossing-a-rated-film-9060270/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209024111/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/animal-box-office-collection-day-8-early-report-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-becomes-highest-grossing-a-rated-film-9060270/ |archive-date=2023-12-09 |access-date=2023-12-09 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-09 |title=Animal crosses Sanju to become Ranbir Kapoor's biggest worldwide grosser with over ₹600 crore |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/animal-crosses-sanju-box-office-ranbir-kapoor-biggest-worldwide-grosser-600-crore-club-101702117253352.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231032847/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/animal-crosses-sanju-box-office-ranbir-kapoor-biggest-worldwide-grosser-600-crore-club-101702117253352.html |archive-date=2023-12-31 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>{{efn|name="animal"|''Animal''{{'s}} reported worldwide grosses vary between ₹905 crore (''[[Pinkvilla]]''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Jatinder |date=26 January 2024 |title=Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal become Fourth Bollywood film to Gross Rs 500 Crore |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/ranbir-kapoor-starrer-animal-become-fourth-bollywood-film-to-gross-rs-500-crore-1274158 |access-date=28 January 2025}}</ref>) – ₹917.82 crore (''[[Bollywood Hungama]]''<ref name="Animal Box Office">{{Cite web |date=2 January 2024 |title=Animal Box Office |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/animal/box-office/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102065840/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/animal/box-office/ |archive-date=2 January 2024 |access-date=9 January 2024 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref>)}}

At the [[69th Filmfare Awards]], the film received 19 nominations, including [[Filmfare Award for Best Film|Best Film]], and won a leading six awards, including [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] for Ranbir Kapoor.<ref name="ff69nom">{{Cite news |date=15 January 2024 |title=Nominations for the 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 with Gujarat Tourism: Full list out |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/nominations-for-the-69th-hyundai-filmfare-awards-2024-with-gujarat-tourism-full-list-out-63822.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115193555/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/nominations-for-the-69th-hyundai-filmfare-awards-2024-with-gujarat-tourism-full-list-out-63822.html |archive-date=15 January 2024 |access-date=15 January 2024 |work=[[Filmfare]]}}</ref> At the 22nd [[Zee Cine Awards]] 2024, the film won 4 awards, including [[Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Male|Best Actor in a Supporting Role]] award for Anil Kapoor, and the [[Zee Cine Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role|Best Actor In A Negative Role]] award for Bobby Deol.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2024-03-10|title=22nd Zee Cine Awards 2024: Winners|url=https://zeecineawards.com/2024-2/|work=[[Zee Cine Awards]]}}</ref> The film also won 3 awards at the [[71st National Film Awards]]: [[National Film Award – Special Mention (feature film)|Special Mention]], [[National Film Award for Best Music Direction|Best Background Music]], and [[National Film Award for Best Sound Design|Best Sound Design]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Bhattacharya |first=Tanisha |date=1 August 2025 |title=Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal Wins Big, From Best Sound Design To Best Background Music |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/71st-national-film-awards-sandeep-reddy-vangas-animal-receives-a-special-mention-in-re-recording-mixer-category-9000730 |access-date=1 August 2025 |publisher=NDTV}}</ref> A sequel titled ''Animal Park'', announced in the [[post-credits scene]], is in early development.

==Plot==
Ranvijay "Vijay" Singh is deeply devoted to his wealthy tycoon father, Balbir Singh, who helms Swastik Steels, a generational steel empire established by Balbir's father, Rajdheer Dodamal Singh. However, Balbir is an extreme workaholic and allocates little attention to his family. When Vijay intimidates his older sister Reet's bullies with his father's licensed AK-47, Balbir ousts him to a boarding school in the United States. He returns home after years on account of his father's sixtieth birthday and indulges in a heated exchange with Reet's husband, Varun, and calls himself illegitimate when Balbir takes Varun's side, prompting the former to expel him from the household. Vijay marries his childhood sweetheart, Gitanjali, and they move to the United States.

Eight years later, Vijay returns home with Gitanjali and their two kids after Balbir falls prey to an assassination attempt at a golf club. He reconciles with his father and enlists the help of his second cousins living in their hometown. Vijay recruits Kailash Petkar, a body double who resembles Balbir, but Kailash is eventually killed by Asrar Haque, who is revealed to be involved in the earlier assassination attempt on Balbir. 

Discovering that Varun is involved with the perpetrators, Vijay publicly strangles him to death at a conference while Asrar, who is one of the audience members, watches on. 
Vijay and his cousins meet with Freddy, an arms dealer, to receive a machine gun manufactured on Vijay's designs at a hotel. As Asrar and his assailants pounce on the hotel, Vijay takes them down using the gun and eventually kills Asrar but is left severely wounded and hospitalized with a failed urinary system, a damaged sense of hearing, and an urgent need for heart transplantation. Vijay's relationship with Gitanjali deteriorates, and he ultimately receives a successful transplant. Meanwhile, in Scotland, Abrar Haque, Asrar's mute older brother, learns of Asrar's death during his third wedding.

Vijay is introduced to Zoya, the fiancée of his donor, and they pursue an extramarital affair. After a [[Rolls-Royce Ghost|Rolls Royce]] gifted to her by Vijay explodes, Zoya confesses to Vijay that she was actually sent by Abrar to honey trap him and that Aziz, another younger brother of Abrar, underwent plastic surgery to look like Vijay and subsequently kill Vijay's family while impersonating him. Vijay discloses that he has been aware of her true purpose and reveals that he has played along to discover the mastermind's identity and caused the explosion himself; he then leaves her, asking her to go wherever she wants. Later, Rajdheer reveals that he had banished his younger brother, Shamsher Singh, from his family and business due to his immoral antics; his son, Azim, who had converted from Sikhism to Islam, came to ask for a share in the property but was refused by Balbir. 

A humiliated Shamsher immolated himself, rendering his grandson Abrar, the only witness, mute out of trauma. Vijay realizes that Abrar and his brothers have been trying to exact revenge. Vijay confesses to being involved in an affair with Zoya to Gitanjali, who breaks down and asks for a divorce. The next day, Vijay and his cousins fly to [[Scotland]] in search of Abrar and reach his residence, where one of Abrar's three wives reveals that he will be leaving the country soon. Vijay manages to obstruct Abrar's flight from taking off, and they engage in a sustained fistfight on the runway. 

Angered, Vijay requests Abrar to put aside their differences and be like a family but is brushed off, prompting him to slit his throat. Vijay returns home and while celebrating [[Diwali]] he discovers that Balbir has been suffering from stage four [[acute lymphoblastic leukemia]] and has only a few months to live. Vijay confronts Balbir for being ignorant of his love for him, and Balbir seeks an apology from Vijay for his persistent insensitivity, while Gitanjali prepares to leave him with the kids. However, his son Abhay gets out of the car and embraces him as Gitanjali tearfully watches. 

In a post-credits scene, Aziz Haque now resembles Vijay; Zoya is pregnant, but it is unclear who among Vijay and Aziz is the father of the child. Aziz violently butchers two of Vijay's cousins and proposes marriage to Abrar's third wife, who gave birth to twins.

== Cast ==
{{Cast listing|
* [[Ranbir Kapoor]] as Ranvijay "Vijay" Balbir Singh
**Ahmad Ibn Umar as young Ranvijay
** Kapoor also portrays Aziz Haque in a [[dual role]] (voiced by [[Sandeep Reddy Vanga]])
* [[Anil Kapoor]] as Balbir Singh, Ranvijay's father
**Kapoor also portrays Kailash Petkar, Balbir's body double
* [[Bobby Deol]] as Abrar Haque 
** Leon Ung as young Abrar
* [[Rashmika Mandanna]] as Geetanjali Iyengar Singh, Ranvijay's wife
** Diyara Valecha as young Geetanjali
* [[Triptii Dimri]] as Zoya Riaz 
* Charu Shankar as Jyoti Singh, Ranvijay's mother
* [[Shakti Kapoor]] as PK Mishra, COO of Swastik Steels Corporation
* [[Prem Chopra]] as Dalbir Dodamal Singh aka "Bade Darji", Ranvijay's granduncle
* [[Babloo Prithiveeraj]] as Asrar Haque; Abrar, Abid and Aziz's first brother
* [[Saurabh Sachdeva]] as Abid Haque, Abrar and Aziz's second brother
* Madhu Raja as Rani Kaur aka "Beeji", Dalbir Singh's wife
* [[Suresh Oberoi]] as Rajdhir Dodamal Singh "Dadaji", Ranvijay's grandfather
* [[Saloni Batra]] as Reet Singh Malhotra, Ranvijay's elder sister
** Neeven Ved as young Reet
* Anshul Chauhan as Roop Singh, Ranvijay's younger sister
** Eva Chibber as young Roop
* [[Siddhant Karnick]] as Varun Pratap Malhotra, Reet's husband and Ranvijay's brother-in-law
* Maganti Srinath as Karthik Iyengar, Geetanjali's brother
* [[Upendra Limaye]] as Freddy Wilfred Patil
* Mathew Varghese as Shreepad Balaji Iyengar, Karthik and Geetanjali's father
* [[Indira Krishnan]] as Motika Iyengar, Karthik and Geetanjali's mother
* Kunal Thakur as Ahaan, Geetanjali's fiancé
* [[Mrinmayee Godbole]] as Dr. Amrita
* Davy Grewal as Sangram Singh, Ranvijay's elder cousin 
* [[Vivek Sharma]] as Paali Singh, Ranvijay's younger cousin
* Gagandeep Singh as Sunny Singh, Ranvijay's younger cousin
* K. P. Singh as Vikram Singh, Ranvijay's cousin 
* Amanjot Singh as Guru Singh, Ranvijay's elder cousin
* Manjot Singh as Rajbir "Royal" Singh, Ranvijay's younger cousin
* Avdeep Sidhu as Manjot Singh, Ranvijay's younger cousin
* Kamaljeet Rana as Balli Singh, Ranvijay's younger cousin
* Gursewak Singh Mander as Kirpal "KP" Singh, Ranvijay's younger cousin
* Butta Badbar as Butta Singh, Ranvijay's younger cousin
* Shabana Haroon as Niloofar Rahmani Haque, first wife of Abrar Haque
* Safina Shah as Mehrunnisa Baig Haque, second wife of Abrar Haque
* Mansi Taxak as Umm-e-Hani Fareen Haque, third wife of Abrar Haque
* Tannaz Davoodi as Shirin Bahar, singer in the song "Jamal Kudu"
* Avi Rakheja as Gautam, Roop's husband
* Sanvir Sachdeva as Abhay Singh, Geetanjali and Ranvijay's son
* Myreen Grover as Sonali Singh, Geetanjali and Ranvijay's daughter
* Sartaaj Kakkar as Reet's son}}

== Production ==
=== Development ===
In September 2019, it was reported that [[Sandeep Reddy Vanga]] would turn into a producer for his next directional venture in [[Bollywood]]. It was further reported that he would produce the venture along with Murad Khetani, Ashwin Varde, [[Bhushan Kumar]] and [[Krishan Kumar (actor)|Krishan Kumar]] under Cine1 Studios and [[T-Series (company)|T-Series]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-09-09 |title=Sandeep Reddy to produce his next directorial venture in Hindi? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/sandeep-reddy-to-produce-his-next-directorial-venture-in-hindi/articleshow/71047260.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115194118/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/sandeep-reddy-to-produce-his-next-directorial-venture-in-hindi/articleshow/71047260.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2024-01-15 |access-date=2023-12-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> On 10 October, the company's and Vanga's new production banner Bhadrakali Pictures announced their collaboration for Vanga's next directional; marking their second collaboration after ''[[Kabir Singh]]'' (2019).<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-10-10 |title=Sandeep Reddy Vanga announces his next with Bhushan Kumar and Murad Khetani |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/sandeep-reddy-vanga-announces-his-next-with-bhushan-kumar-and-murad-khetani/articleshow/71516067.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207102821/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/sandeep-reddy-vanga-announces-his-next-with-bhushan-kumar-and-murad-khetani/articleshow/71516067.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2023-12-07 |access-date=2023-12-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> In early December, Vanga was reported to have approached [[Ranbir Kapoor]] to play the lead role in the film. ''ETimes'' reported that Kapoor was "keen" to work on the film, however, would finalize it only after hearing the final script, which was still progressing writing.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-12-05 |title=Exclusive! Ranbir Kapoor keen to work with Sandeep Vanga, but 'conditions apply' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/exclusive-ranbir-kapoor-keen-to-work-with-sandeep-vanga-but-conditions-apply/articleshow/72380132.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207102834/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/exclusive-ranbir-kapoor-keen-to-work-with-sandeep-vanga-but-conditions-apply/articleshow/72380132.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2023-12-07 |access-date=2023-12-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

In June 2020 however, it was reported that Vanga met Kapoor in January and narrated another script, which was reportedly titled ''Devil''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-06-21 |title=Sandeep Reddy Vanga's next 'Devil' with Ranbir Kapoor to be more intense and dark than Shahid Kapoor starrer 'Kabir Singh'? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/sandeep-reddy-vangas-next-devil-with-ranbir-kapoor-to-be-more-intense-and-dark-than-shahid-kapoor-starrer-kabir-singh/articleshow/76489941.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207102910/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/sandeep-reddy-vangas-next-devil-with-ranbir-kapoor-to-be-more-intense-and-dark-than-shahid-kapoor-starrer-kabir-singh/articleshow/76489941.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2023-12-07 |access-date=2023-12-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> In late December, [[Anil Kapoor]] was reported to be part of the cast.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-12-31 |title=Ranbir Kapoor and Anil Kapoor come together for 'Kabir Singh' director Sandeep Reddy Vanga's next |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ranbir-kapoor-and-anil-kapoor-come-together-for-kabir-singh-director-sandeep-reddy-vangas-next/articleshow/80046440.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423223006/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ranbir-kapoor-and-anil-kapoor-come-together-for-kabir-singh-director-sandeep-reddy-vangas-next/articleshow/80046440.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2021-04-23 |access-date=2023-12-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> On 1 January 2021, the company's made an official public announcement of the venture, revealing also the title of the film and the crew.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-01-01 |title='Animal' teaser: Ranbir Kapoor teams up with Anil Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra and Bobby Deol for Sandeep Reddy Vanga's crime-drama |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/animal-teaser-ranbir-kapoor-teams-up-with-anil-kapoor-parineeti-chopra-and-bobby-deol-for-sandeep-reddy-vangas-crime-drama/articleshow/80057351.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101075912/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/animal-teaser-ranbir-kapoor-teams-up-with-anil-kapoor-parineeti-chopra-and-bobby-deol-for-sandeep-reddy-vangas-crime-drama/articleshow/80057351.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2021-01-01 |access-date=2023-12-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> In late April, [[Bobby Deol]] and [[Parineeti Chopra]] were cast, with the former playing lead antagonist role, while the latter plays lead actress role.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-04-23 |title=Exclusive: Here's what Bobby Deol says about working in Kabir Singh director's Animal |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/exclusive-heres-what-bobby-deol-says-about-working-in-kabir-singh-directors-animal/articleshow/82209168.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207102751/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/exclusive-heres-what-bobby-deol-says-about-working-in-kabir-singh-directors-animal/articleshow/82209168.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2023-12-07 |access-date=2023-12-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

In March 2022, it was reported that [[Rashmika Mandanna]] was to dance in an [[item number]] for the film.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-03-13 |title=Is Rashmika in talks for special song in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's 'Animal'? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/rashmika-in-talks-for-special-song-in-sandeep-reddy-vangas-animal/articleshow/90183384.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313093754/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/rashmika-in-talks-for-special-song-in-sandeep-reddy-vangas-animal/articleshow/90183384.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2022-03-13 |access-date=2023-12-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The same month, Mandanna had replaced Chopra, as Vanga was not satisfied with the casting of Chopra during photoshoots.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-03-29 |title=Rashmika Mandanna comes on board for Ranbir Kapoor's 'Animal' after Parineeti Chopra backs out: Report |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rashmika-mandanna-comes-on-board-for-ranbir-kapoors-animal-after-parineeti-chopra-backs-out-report/articleshow/90514169.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710112058/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rashmika-mandanna-comes-on-board-for-ranbir-kapoors-animal-after-parineeti-chopra-backs-out-report/articleshow/90514169.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2022-07-10 |access-date=2023-12-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> On 2 April, Mandanna's commitments were officially announced.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-04-02 |title=Rashmika Mandanna joins Ranbir Kapoor's 'Animal' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rashmika-mandanna-joins-ranbir-kapoors-animal/articleshow/90606129.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402091754/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rashmika-mandanna-joins-ranbir-kapoors-animal/articleshow/90606129.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2022-04-02 |access-date=2023-12-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Mandanna called it "a dream come true."<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-04-06 |title=Rashmika Mandanna opens up about working with Ranbir Kapoor in 'Animal', says it's a dream come true |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rashmika-mandanna-opens-up-about-working-with-ranbir-kapoor-in-animal-says-its-a-dream-come-true/articleshow/90676189.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406033923/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rashmika-mandanna-opens-up-about-working-with-ranbir-kapoor-in-animal-says-its-a-dream-come-true/articleshow/90676189.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2022-04-06 |access-date=2023-12-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Vanga cited ''[[Kill Bill]]'' as the inspiration for the film's action sequences.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 December 2023 |title=Did you know Sandeep Reddy Vanga took inspiration from THIS film to shoot 'Animal's action scenes? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/did-you-know-sandeep-reddy-vanga-took-inspiration-from-this-film-to-shoot-animals-action-scenes/articleshow/106185364.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214161642/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/did-you-know-sandeep-reddy-vanga-took-inspiration-from-this-film-to-shoot-animals-action-scenes/articleshow/106185364.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=14 February 2024 |access-date=21 December 2023 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Similarly, Kapoor's rockstar look was inspired by [[Michael Jackson]], as reported by hairstylist Aalim Hakim.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 2024 |title="Ranbir Kapoor's rockstar look in Animal is inspired by Michael Jackson," reveals hairstylist Aalim Hakim; shares unseen pics and video of look test |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/ranbir-kapoors-rockstar-look-animal-inspired-michael-jackson-reveals-hairstylist-aalim-hakim-shares-unseen-pics-video-look-test/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601105644/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/ranbir-kapoors-rockstar-look-animal-inspired-michael-jackson-reveals-hairstylist-aalim-hakim-shares-unseen-pics-video-look-test/ |archive-date=1 June 2024 |access-date=1 June 2024 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref> In 2025, during the pre-release event of ''[[Thandel]]'', Vanga revealed that it was the film's lead actor [[Naga Chaitanya]] whose style of long hair and beard as well as real-life outfits inspired the protagonist's looks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sandeep Reddy Vanga reveals Naga Chaitanya's real-life style inspired Kabir Singh and Animal looks |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/sandeep-reddy-vanga-reveals-naga-chaitanyas-real-life-style-inspired-kabir-singh-and-animal-looks-101738665044229.html |access-date=4 February 2025 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> For the film's interval action sequence, [[Suresh Selvarajan]] spent 4 to 5 months designing a working model of a giant machine gun and creating 15,000 to 16,000 dummy bullets with the assistance of nearly 100 people.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/exclusive-animals-production-designer-suresh-selvarajan-reveals-process-making-iconic-war-machine-gun-took-almost-4-5-months-make-gun-also-made-15000-160/|title=EXCLUSIVE: Animal's production designer Suresh Selvarajan reveals the process of making the ICONIC war machine gun: “We took almost 4-5 months to make the gun. We also made 15,000-16,000 dummy bullets. Almost 100 people worked quite hard to bring the gun to life”|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|access-date=9 December 2023}}</ref>

In July 2025, Vanga revealed that the first cut of the film was 225 minutes long, while the second and his satisfactory cut was 210 minutes long. A week before the release, he came under pressure to further trim the film by some 7 minutes, something he eventually regretted after repeatedly watching the film during its theatrical run.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/sandeep-reddy-vanga-reveals-regret-over-trimming-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-animals-runtime-by-7-8-minutes/articleshow/122918760.cms|title=Sandeep Reddy Vanga reveals regret over trimming Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal's runtime by 7-8 minutes|website=[[The Times of India]]|date=26 July 2025|access-date=26 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/movies/bollywood/sandeep-reddy-vanga-regrets-cutting-7-minutes-from-animal-it-was-a-good-cut-but-ws-kl-9465409.html|title=Sandeep Reddy Vanga Regrets Cutting 7 Minutes From Animal: 'It Was A Good Cut But...'|last=Narain|first=Yatamanyu|date=26 July 2025|website=[[CNN-News18]]|access-date=26 July 2025}}</ref>
The casting department for the film included [[Haseeb Bajwa]], [[Jitendra Bhosale]], [[Khushaal Pawar]], and [[Vicky Kisan Mourya]], with [[Naila Mughal]] handling the UK and international casting.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/animal_2023_2/cast-and-crew |title=Animal (2023) Cast & Crew |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=2026-05-24}}</ref>

=== Filming ===
[[Principal photography]] began in [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]] in April 2022.<ref name="manali">{{Cite news |date=22 April 2022 |title=Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna begin filming for Animal in Manali, pose with fans in Himachali caps |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-rashmika-mandanna-begin-filming-for-animal-in-manali-pose-with-fans-in-himachali-caps-see-photos/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103144950/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-rashmika-mandanna-begin-filming-for-animal-in-manali-pose-with-fans-in-himachali-caps-see-photos/ |archive-date=3 January 2023 |access-date=28 January 2023 |work=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=22 April 2022 |title=Ranbir Kapoor back at work a week after his wedding, joins Rashmika Mandanna for 'Animal' shoot in Manali |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/after-wedding-ranbir-kapoor-resumes-work-joins-rashmika-mandanna-for-animal-shoot-in-manali/articleshow/91003341.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708013903/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/after-wedding-ranbir-kapoor-resumes-work-joins-rashmika-mandanna-for-animal-shoot-in-manali/articleshow/91003341.cms |archive-date=8 July 2022 |access-date=28 January 2023 |work=The Economic Times}}</ref> The second schedule took place in [[Mumbai]] in May 2022, with filming was held at the [[Pataudi Palace]] in July 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 July 2022 |title=Viral Pics: Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor Shoot New Film Animal At Pataudi Palace |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/viral-pics-ranbir-kapoor-anil-kapoor-shoot-sandeep-reddy-vangas-animal-at-pataudi-palace-3193752 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101045054/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/viral-pics-ranbir-kapoor-anil-kapoor-shoot-sandeep-reddy-vangas-animal-at-pataudi-palace-3193752 |archive-date=1 January 2023 |access-date=28 January 2023 |publisher=NDTV}}</ref> The next schedules were held in [[Delhi]] and [[Punjab, India|Punjab]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 August 2022 |title=Rashmika Mandanna shares Ranbir Kapoor's behind-the-scenes pic from Animal sets, he says hi in her signature style |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rashmika-mandanna-shares-ranbir-kapoor-s-behind-the-scenes-pic-from-animal-sets-101659536532331.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101103327/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rashmika-mandanna-shares-ranbir-kapoor-s-behind-the-scenes-pic-from-animal-sets-101659536532331.html |archive-date=1 January 2023 |access-date=28 January 2023 |work=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 December 2022 |title=Rashmika Mandanna is currently filming Ranbir Kapoor's 'Animal' in Mumbai |url=https://zeenews.india.com/bollywood/rashmika-mandanna-is-currently-filming-ranbir-kapoor-s-animal-in-mumbai-2551149.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227092137/https://zeenews.india.com/bollywood/rashmika-mandanna-is-currently-filming-ranbir-kapoor-s-animal-in-mumbai-2551149.html |archive-date=27 December 2022 |access-date=28 January 2023 |website=Zee News}}</ref> Filming resumed in [[England]] and [[Scotland]] in April 2023 with a schedule of 15–20 days.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-20 |title=Ranbir Kapoor and Bobby Deol to fly to London for the final schedule of Animal in April |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-bobby-deol-fly-london-final-schedule-animal-april/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321135824/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-bobby-deol-fly-london-final-schedule-animal-april/ |archive-date=2023-03-21 |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |language=en}}</ref> Filming was wrapped by July 2023.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=10 July 2023 |title=Ranbir Kapoor grooves to 'Ban Than Chali Bolo' at 'Animal' wrap-up party, video goes viral - WATCH |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ranbir-kapoor-grooves-to-ban-than-chali-bolo-at-animal-wrap-up-party-video-goes-viral-watch/articleshow/101647264.cms |work=Times of India}}</ref>

==Music==
{{Main|Animal (soundtrack)}}

The [[film score]] is composed by [[Harshavardhan Rameshwar]], who scored Reddy's previous films ''[[Arjun Reddy]]'' and its Hindi remake ''[[Kabir Singh]]''. The songs featured in the film are composed by [[Pritam]], [[JAM8]], [[Vishal Mishra (composer)|Vishal Mishra]], [[Jaani (songwriter)|Jaani]], Manan Bhardwaj, Shreyas Puranik, Ashim Kemson, Harshvardhan Rameshwar, Bhupinder Babbal.<ref>{{Citation |title=Animal (Official Teaser): Ranbir Kapoor {{!}}Rashmika M, Anil K, Bobby D {{!}}Sandeep Reddy Vanga {{!}}Bhushan K |date=27 September 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dydmpfo68DA |work=[[T-Series (company)|T-Series]] |format=[[YouTube]] |access-date=2023-09-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928045001/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dydmpfo68DA&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=2023-09-28 |url-status=live |language=en}}</ref> Lyrics were written by [[Manoj Muntashir]], [[Raj Shekhar]], [[Siddharth-Garima]], Jaani, [[Manan Bhardwaj]], Ashim Kemson and Bhupinder Babbal.

The album features eight tracks with four singles—"Hua Main",<ref>{{Cite news |title=Hua Main song: Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna cannot stop kissing |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/hua-main-song-ranbir-kapoor-and-rashmika-mandanna-cannot-stop-kissing-in-this-passionate-number/articleshow/104331763.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012030332/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/hua-main-song-ranbir-kapoor-and-rashmika-mandanna-cannot-stop-kissing-in-this-passionate-number/articleshow/104331763.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=12 October 2023 |access-date=11 October 2023 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> "Satranga",<ref>{{Cite news |title=Arijit Singh and Ranbir Kapoor Join Forces with 'Satranga Re' |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/bollywood/arijit-singh-and-ranbir-kapoor-join-forces-with-satranga-re-1503235226.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027221626/https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/bollywood/arijit-singh-and-ranbir-kapoor-join-forces-with-satranga-re-1503235226.html |archive-date=27 October 2023 |access-date=27 October 2023 |work=The Statesman}}</ref> "Papa Meri Jaan"<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 November 2023 |title=Animal song Papa Meri Jaan: Ranbir Kapoor and Anil Kapoor's track explores their complex father-son bond |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/animal-song-papa-meri-jaan-ranbir-kapoor-and-anil-kapoors-track-explores-their-complex-father-son-bond-101699937660341.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114094605/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/animal-song-papa-meri-jaan-ranbir-kapoor-and-anil-kapoors-track-explores-their-complex-father-son-bond-101699937660341.html |archive-date=14 November 2023 |access-date=14 November 2023 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> and "Arjan Vailly"<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 November 2023 |title='Arjan Vailly' out: Ranbir's 'Animal' song promises goosebumps-inducing scenes |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/story/arjan-vailly-out-ranbirs-animal-song-promises-goosebumps-inducing-scenes-2464597-2023-11-18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119171703/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/story/arjan-vailly-out-ranbirs-animal-song-promises-goosebumps-inducing-scenes-2464597-2023-11-18 |archive-date=2023-11-19 |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>—were released before the audio launch. The soundtrack to ''Animal'' was released at a music launch and fan experience event held on 24 November 2023 at [[Mehboob Studio]] in Mumbai.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-25 |title=Ranbir Kapoor makes Bobby Deol crack up as he recreates his iconic dance steps at Animal event. Watch |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-makes-bobby-deol-crack-up-as-he-recreates-his-iconic-dance-steps-at-animal-event-watch-101700877225151.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129182245/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-makes-bobby-deol-crack-up-as-he-recreates-his-iconic-dance-steps-at-animal-event-watch-101700877225151.html |archive-date=2023-11-29 |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> A deluxe edition album was released on 15 January 2024, featuring nine additional tracks.<ref>{{Citation |title=ANIMAL (Deluxe Edition Album) |date=2024-01-15 |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/2OvmWeSaHWe4q6Ru4Myo52  |format=[[Spotify]] |access-date=2024-01-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124102257/https://open.spotify.com/album/2OvmWeSaHWe4q6Ru4Myo52 |archive-date=24 January 2024 |url-status=live |language=en}}</ref>

==Marketing==
The teaser was released on 28 September 2023 coinciding with Kapoor's birthday.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Animal teaser: Ranbir Kapoor-Anil Kapoor share a toxic father-son bond in this Sandeep Reddy Vanga film. |work=The Indian Express |date=2023-09-28 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/animal-teaser-ranbir-kapoor-anil-kapoor-father-son-toxic-bond-sandeep-reddy-vanga-watch-8959575/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127101633/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/animal-teaser-ranbir-kapoor-anil-kapoor-father-son-toxic-bond-sandeep-reddy-vanga-watch-8959575/ |archive-date=2023-11-27 |access-date=2023-11-27}}</ref> Arijit Singh held a concert in [[Chandigarh]] where Ranbir Kapoor joined him to promote film with the song ''Satranga'' on 4 November 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-05 |title=Ranbir Kapoor and Arijit Singh impress fans as they bend down on their knees to greet each other on stage. Watch |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-and-arijit-singh-bend-down-on-their-knees-at-chandigarh-concert-101699145348312.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103094006/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-and-arijit-singh-bend-down-on-their-knees-at-chandigarh-concert-101699145348312.html |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-05 |title=Ranbir Kapoor dances to 'Channa Mereya' at Arijit Singh's concert, bows to the singer. See videos |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-dances-to-channa-mereya-at-arijit-singhs-concert-bows-to-the-singer-see-videos-9013886/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103094007/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-dances-to-channa-mereya-at-arijit-singhs-concert-bows-to-the-singer-see-videos-9013886/ |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> During the semi-final of [[2023 Cricket World Cup]], Ranbir Kapoor attended the stadium to watch the match and for promotional activities of the film on 15 November 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-15 |title=Ranbir Kapoor cheers for Team India at IND vs NZ semi-final, says 'country would go to any length to protect team'. Watch |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-cheering-for-team-india-at-ind-vs-nz-semi-final-world-cup-2023-watch-9027646/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103094015/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-cheering-for-team-india-at-ind-vs-nz-semi-final-world-cup-2023-watch-9027646/ |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-15 |title=From David Beckham to Ranbir Kapoor: IND vs NZ a star-studded affair |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/from-david-beckham-to-ranbir-kapoor-ind-vs-nz-a-star-studded-affair-101700052159122.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103094006/https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/from-david-beckham-to-ranbir-kapoor-ind-vs-nz-a-star-studded-affair-101700052159122.html |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> The teaser was showcased on [[Burj Khalifa]] on 18 November 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-18 |title='Animal' makers showcase teaser of Ranbir Kapoor's upcoming crime drama at Burj Khalifa |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/animal-makers-showcase-teaser-of-ranbir-kapoors-upcoming-crime-drama-at-burj-khalifa/articleshow/105308001.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103094005/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/animal-makers-showcase-teaser-of-ranbir-kapoors-upcoming-crime-drama-at-burj-khalifa/articleshow/105308001.cms |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=The Economic Times |language=en}}</ref> they also conducted film promotions at ''Marq Club'' and ''Dubai's Global Village'' on the same day in [[Dubai]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-19 |title=Ranbir Kapoor And Bobby Deol Dance To Animal Song Arjan Vailly. Watch |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/animal-ranbir-kapoor-and-bobby-deol-groove-to-arjan-vailly-in-dubai-4587247 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103094005/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/animal-ranbir-kapoor-and-bobby-deol-groove-to-arjan-vailly-in-dubai-4587247 |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-03 |publisher=NDTV |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-18 |title=Animal special teaser takes over Burj Khalifa, leaving Ranbir Kapoor, Bobby Deol awestruck. Watch |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/animal-special-teaser-takes-over-burj-khalifa-leaving-ranbir-kapoor-bobby-deol-awestruck-watch-9032067/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103094005/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/animal-special-teaser-takes-over-burj-khalifa-leaving-ranbir-kapoor-bobby-deol-awestruck-watch-9032067/ |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-19 |title='Animal'stars Ranbir Kapoor and Bobby Deol made a rocking appearance in Dubai with 'Arjan Vailly' song premiere |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/animalstars-ranbir-kapoor-and-bobby-deol-made-a-rocking-appearance-in-dubai-with-arjan-vailly-song-premiere/articleshow/105326505.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103094005/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/animalstars-ranbir-kapoor-and-bobby-deol-made-a-rocking-appearance-in-dubai-with-arjan-vailly-song-premiere/articleshow/105326505.cms |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> The trailer was released on 23 November 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-23 |title=Animal Trailer Review: Alert for the Tsunami arriving soon with Ranbir Kapoor in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's world |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/exclusives/animal-trailer-review-alert-for-the-tsunami-arriving-soon-with-ranbir-kapoor-in-sandeep-reddy-vangas-world-1260475 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103094005/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/exclusives/animal-trailer-review-alert-for-the-tsunami-arriving-soon-with-ranbir-kapoor-in-sandeep-reddy-vangas-world-1260475 |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-23 |title=Animal Trailer: Ranbir Kapoor unleashes his violent side in this Sandeep Reddy Vanga directorial |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/animal-trailer-ranbir-kapoor-unleashes-his-violent-side-in-this-sandeep-reddy-vanga-directorial-13421442.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103094005/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/animal-trailer-ranbir-kapoor-unleashes-his-violent-side-in-this-sandeep-reddy-vanga-directorial-13421442.html |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=Firstpost |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-23 |title='Animal' trailer: Ranbir Kapoor embarks on a warpath of revenge |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/animal-trailer-ranbir-kapoor-embarks-on-a-warpath-of-revenge/article67564844.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103094005/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/animal-trailer-ranbir-kapoor-embarks-on-a-warpath-of-revenge/article67564844.ece |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=The Hindu |language=en}}</ref> The cast appeared on the ''[[Unstoppable (talk show)|Unstoppable]]'', which premiered on [[aha (streaming service)|Aha]] on 24 November 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-14 |title=Ranbir Kapoor makes dapper appearance on Nandamuri Balakrishna's Unstoppable 3 as he promotes Animal |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/ranbir-kapoor-makes-dapper-appearance-on-nandamuri-balakrishnas-unstoppable-3-as-he-promotes-animal-1258347 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103094006/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/ranbir-kapoor-makes-dapper-appearance-on-nandamuri-balakrishnas-unstoppable-3-as-he-promotes-animal-1258347 |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-18 |title=Ranbir Kapoor asks Rashmika Mandanna to choose between him and Vijay Deverakonda, does bhangra with Nandamuri Balakrishna. Watch promo |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-asks-rashmika-mandanna-to-choose-between-him-and-vijay-deverakonda-does-bhangra-with-nandamuri-balakrishna-watch-promo-9032106/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103094011/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-asks-rashmika-mandanna-to-choose-between-him-and-vijay-deverakonda-does-bhangra-with-nandamuri-balakrishna-watch-promo-9032106/ |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> They also appeared on ''[[Indian Idol (Hindi TV series)|Indian Idol]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-25 |title=Indian Idol 14: Animal actor Ranbir Kapoor bestows signed cap to contestant; dances with Rashmika Mandanna |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/tv/news/indian-idol-14-animal-actor-ranbir-kapoor-bestows-signed-cap-to-contestant-dances-with-rashmika-mandanna-1261142 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103094005/https://www.pinkvilla.com/tv/news/indian-idol-14-animal-actor-ranbir-kapoor-bestows-signed-cap-to-contestant-dances-with-rashmika-mandanna-1261142 |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-27 |title=Ranbir Kapoor touches Indian Idol 14 contestant Menuka Poduel's feet, hugs her. Watch |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-touches-indian-idol-14-contestant-menuka-poduels-feet-hugs-her-watch-9044091/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103094013/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-touches-indian-idol-14-contestant-menuka-poduels-feet-hugs-her-watch-9044091/ |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Before the pre-release event they conducted press conference tours in [[Hyderabad]], [[Chennai]], and [[Bangalore|Bengaluru]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-27 |title=Sandeep Reddy Vanga interview on 'Animal': Ranbir Kapoor is a great performer, will not let the audience relax for a second |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sandeep-reddy-vanga-interview-on-animal-ranbir-kapoor-is-a-great-performer/article67579510.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103094006/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sandeep-reddy-vanga-interview-on-animal-ranbir-kapoor-is-a-great-performer/article67579510.ece |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=The Hindu |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-27 |title=Ranbir Kapoor names Jailer, Leo and Vikram as his top three favourite films of the year: 'It's very inspiring' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-names-jailer-leo-and-vikram-as-his-top-three-favourite-films-of-the-year-its-very-inspiring-9044386/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103094009/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-names-jailer-leo-and-vikram-as-his-top-three-favourite-films-of-the-year-its-very-inspiring-9044386/ |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-27 |title=Ranbir Kapoor in Defense of Animal's length; discloses initial movie cut |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/videos/entertainment/bollywood-news/ranbir-kapoor-in-defense-of-animals-length-discloses-initial-movie-cut-video-105537560 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103094005/https://www.timesnownews.com/videos/entertainment/bollywood-news/ranbir-kapoor-in-defense-of-animals-length-discloses-initial-movie-cut-video-105537560 |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=Times Now |language=en}}</ref> The film held its pre-release event in Hyderabad on 27 November 2023 with [[Mahesh Babu]] and [[S. S. Rajamouli]] as the chief guests.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-28 |title='Animal' pre-release event: Mahesh Babu and SS Rajamouli join Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, and Rashmika Mandanna in Hyderabad - See photos |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/animal-pre-release-event-mahesh-babu-and-ss-rajamouli-join-sandeep-reddy-vanga-ranbir-kapoor-anil-kapoor-and-rashmika-mandanna-in-hyderabad-see-photos/articleshow/105541370.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103094005/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/animal-pre-release-event-mahesh-babu-and-ss-rajamouli-join-sandeep-reddy-vanga-ranbir-kapoor-anil-kapoor-and-rashmika-mandanna-in-hyderabad-see-photos/articleshow/105541370.cms |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-28 |title=Mahesh Babu: Ranbir Kapoor is the best actor in India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/mahesh-babu-ranbir-kapoor-is-the-best-actor-in-india/articleshow/105554810.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103094006/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/mahesh-babu-ranbir-kapoor-is-the-best-actor-in-india/articleshow/105554810.cms |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-28 |title=Animal Pre-Release Event: SS Rajamouli praises Ranbir Kapoor; calls actor his 'favorite' |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/animal-pre-release-event-ss-rajamouli-praises-ranbir-kapoor-calls-actor-his-favorite-1261547 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103094006/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/animal-pre-release-event-ss-rajamouli-praises-ranbir-kapoor-calls-actor-his-favorite-1261547 |archive-date=2024-01-03 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en}}</ref>

== Release ==
===Theatrical===
''Animal'' was initially set for an 11 August 2023 release, but was postponed due to post-production and dubbing work, as well as to avoid clashing with ''[[Jailer (2023 Tamil film)|Jailer]]'', ''[[Gadar 2]]'' and ''[[OMG 2|Oh My God 2]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-01 |title=Ranbir Kapoor, Bhushan Kumar and Sandeep Reddy's Animal to release on August 11 2023 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ranbir-kapoor-starrer-animal-to-hit-the-theatres-on-august-11-2023/articleshow/87799422.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101112302/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ranbir-kapoor-starrer-animal-to-hit-the-theatres-on-august-11-2023/articleshow/87799422.cms |archive-date=2023-01-01 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> It was theatrically released on 1 December 2023 in standard and [[IMAX]] formats in [[Hindi]] with dubbed versions in [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Malayalam]] and [[Kannada]] languages.<ref name="rd">{{Cite web |date=July 2023 |title=SCOOP: VFX causes a delay for Ranbir Kapoor and Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal; now set to release in December |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/scoop-vfx-causes-delay-ranbir-kapoor-sandeep-reddy-vangas-animal-now-set-release-december/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701114127/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/scoop-vfx-causes-delay-ranbir-kapoor-sandeep-reddy-vangas-animal-now-set-release-december/ |archive-date=1 July 2023 |access-date=1 July 2023 |website=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref> The film was released across 4000 screens in India, the screen count was impacted due to the clash with ''[[Sam Bahadur (film)|Sam Bahadur]]'' which was releasing on the same day.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-29 |title=Animal Box Office Preview: Ranbir Kapoor starrer run time, screen count, advance booking and opening day |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/animal-box-office-preview-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-run-time-screen-count-advance-booking-and-opening-day-1261988 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230223121/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/animal-box-office-preview-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-run-time-screen-count-advance-booking-and-opening-day-1261988 |archive-date=2023-12-30 |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en}}</ref>

The film had planned to premiere in North America on 30 November 2023, a day before its release.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 November 2023 |title=Ranbir Kapoor's Animal to get a wider release than Brahmastra in USA- Exclusive |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ranbir-kapoors-animal-to-get-a-wider-release-than-brahmastra-in-usa-exclusive/articleshow/104999742.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117153907/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ranbir-kapoors-animal-to-get-a-wider-release-than-brahmastra-in-usa-exclusive/articleshow/104999742.cms |archive-date=17 November 2023 |access-date=7 November 2023 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> In the United States, it will be screened in 888 theaters, marking the highest number for a Hindi film, surpassing the screen count of ''[[Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva]]'' (2022) and ''[[Jawan (film)|Jawan]]'' (2023).<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 November 2023 |title=Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal to release in over 888 screens in USA, surpassing Jawan and Brahmastra |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-starrer-animal-release-888-screens-usa-surpassing-jawan-brahmastra/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108021353/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-starrer-animal-release-888-screens-usa-surpassing-jawan-brahmastra/ |archive-date=8 November 2023 |access-date=8 November 2023 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 November 2023 |title=Animal: Ranbir Kapoor's film gets a wider release than Shah Rukh Khan's 'Jawan' in North America, blocks 888 screens |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/animal-ranbir-kapoors-film-gets-a-wider-release-than-shah-rukh-khans-jawan-in-north-america-blocks-888-screens-13359962.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109013231/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/animal-ranbir-kapoors-film-gets-a-wider-release-than-shah-rukh-khans-jawan-in-north-america-blocks-888-screens-13359962.html |archive-date=9 November 2023 |access-date=9 November 2023 |website=[[Firstpost]]}}</ref>

''Animal'' received an [[A certificate|A (adults only) certificate]] from the [[Central Board of Film Certification]], a day prior to its trailer release, for [[Violence in film|strong bloody violence]], [[profanity]] and some [[Sexuality in art|sexuality]].<ref name="BHR"/><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-11-23 |title=Ranbir Kapoor's 'Animal' cleared by CBFC with 'A' certificate; director Sandeep Reddy Vanga confirms film's 3-hour runtime |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ranbir-kapoors-animal-cleared-by-cbfc-with-a-certificate-director-sandeep-reddy-vanga-confirms-films-3-hour-runtime/articleshow/105436235.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124132148/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ranbir-kapoors-animal-cleared-by-cbfc-with-a-certificate-director-sandeep-reddy-vanga-confirms-films-3-hour-runtime/articleshow/105436235.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2023-11-24 |access-date=2023-11-24 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> It was classified [[18 (British Board of Film Classification)|18]] by the [[British Board of Film Classification]] for the same reason.<ref name="BBFC">{{Cite web |date=25 November 2023 |title=''Animal'' (18) |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/animal-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmde2otuz |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125083307/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/animal-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmde2otuz |archive-date=25 November 2023 |access-date=25 November 2023 |website=[[British Board of Film Classification]] |quote=This dark Hindi language action drama charts a man's relentless pursuit of twisted revenge at all costs.}}</ref>

Passed with an [[Eirin#Current ratings sets|R15+ rating]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ticket.moviewalker.jp/film/091725?from=official|title=ANIMAL ムビチケ前売券（電子チケット） - MOVIE WALKER STORE ムビチケ・映画グッズのECサイト|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260119104516/https://ticket.moviewalker.jp/film/091725?from=official|archive-date=19 January 2026|website=Movie Walker Store}}</ref> the film was released in Japan on 13 February 2026.<ref name="GeekPictures(2025-12-24)">{{cite web|url=https://geekpictures.co.jp/en/topics/geek-pictures-announces-japanese-release-of-animal-on-february-13-2026-poster-visual-and-scene-stills-unveiled/|title=GEEK PICTURES Announces Japanese Release of ANIMAL on February 13, 2026 — Poster Visual and Scene Stills Unveiled|website=[[Geek Pictures]]|date=24 December 2025|access-date=24 December 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251225052541/https://geekpictures.co.jp/en/topics/geek-pictures-announces-japanese-release-of-animal-on-february-13-2026-poster-visual-and-scene-stills-unveiled/|archive-date=25 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/ranbir-kapoor-animal-gears-up-for-japan-release-in-2026-check-date-2840962-2025-12-24|title=Ranbir Kapoor's Animal gears up for Japan release in 2026. Check date|website=[[India Today]]|date=24 December 2025|access-date=24 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://animal-movie.jp/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251224094804/http://web.archive.org/screenshot/https://animal-movie.jp/|title=2026年1月16日（金）公開『ANIMAL』公式サイト|work=animal-movie.jp|archive-date=24 December 2025}}</ref>

===Distribution===
[[AA Films]] acquired the theatrical rights of the film to distribute in [[North India]] and overseas. [[Sri Venkateswara Creations]] acquired the distribution rights for [[Andhra Pradesh]] and [[Telangana]]. E4 Entertainment and AP International acquired distribution rights for [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Kerala]]. [[KVN Productions]] acquired distribution rights for [[Karnataka]]. Moksha Movies, Nirvana Cinemas and Prathyangira Cinemas acquired theatrical distribution rights for North America. Lax Cinema acquired the theatrical distribution rights for the Netherlands.<ref>Official handle of the film, T-series and Rashmika Mandanna have tagged the official handles of the distributors. {{Cite tweet |number=1730428999539556831 |user=AnimalTheFilm |title=#Animal is all yours now🪓🔥 Book Your Tickets 🎟️ |author=Animal The Film}}{{Cite tweet |user=Tseries |author =T-Series |number=1728292167326880082 |title=#Animal Album Out Now ❤️‍🔥🎶}}{{Cite tweet |user=iamRashmika |author =Rashmika Mandanna |number=1728427171486781506 |title=@AnimalTheFilm @AnilKapoor #RanbirKapoor @thedeol @tripti_dimri23 @imvangasandeep #BhushanKumar @VangaPranay @MuradKhetani #KrishanKumar #BablooPrithiveeraj @anilandbhanu @VangaPictures @Cine1Studios @TSeries @tseriessouth @rameemusic @cowvala #ShivChanana @neerajkalyan_24 @supremesundar @sureshsrajan @bookmyshow @PaytmTickets @AAFilmsIndia @SVC_official @NirvanaCinemas @KvnProductions @APIfilms @e4emovies}}</ref> The film's distributor in Japan is [[Geek Pictures]].<ref name="GeekPictures(2025-12-24)" />

===Home media===
The [[Streaming media|digital streaming rights]] of ''Animal'' were acquired by [[Netflix]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/entertainment/ott/story/ranbir-kapoor-animal-rashmika-mandanna-sandeep-reddy-vanga-2470001-2023-12-01|title=Ranbir Kapoor's 'Animal' to stream on this OTT platform|last=Rao|first=Anisha|work=India Today|date=2023-12-24|accessdate=2025-12-13}}</ref> The film was premiered on Netflix from 26 January 2024. While Vanga initially stated that it would have an additional 8 minutes of footage,<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 January 2024 |title=When Is Ranbir Kapoor's Animal Releasing On Netflix? |url=https://www.thestreambible.com/netflix/ranbir-kapoor-animal-netflix/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123174233/https://www.thestreambible.com/netflix/ranbir-kapoor-animal-netflix/ |archive-date=23 January 2024 |access-date=23 January 2024 |website=The StreamBible}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-01-20 |title=Confirmed! Ranbir Kapoor's 'Animal' to release on OTT with extended cut |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/confirmed-ranbir-kapoors-animal-to-release-on-ott-with-extended-cut/articleshow/106971398.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120033840/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/confirmed-ranbir-kapoors-animal-to-release-on-ott-with-extended-cut/articleshow/106971398.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=20 January 2024 |access-date=2024-01-20 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> it was later announced that Netflix would stream the theatrical cut with no additional scenes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 January 2024 |title=BREAKING! Animal to release on Netflix on January 26 with theatrical cut; no new scenes added |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/breaking-animal-release-netflix-january-26-theatrical-cut-no-new-scenes-added/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123154554/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/breaking-animal-release-netflix-january-26-theatrical-cut-no-new-scenes-added/ |archive-date=23 January 2024 |access-date=23 January 2024 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref> An English dub, with actor [[Nakuul Mehta]] lending his voice to Ranbir Kapoor's character, and actress [[Samridhii Shukla]] lending her voice to Triptii Dimri's character; began streaming on 8 February 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 February 2024 |title=Nakuul Mehta is Ranbir Kapoor's voice in Bollywood film Animal; shares video of the English dubbed version |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/nakuul-mehta-is-ranbir-kapoors-voice-in-bollywood-film-animal-shares-video-of-the-english-dubbed-version/articleshow/107556704.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209125539/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/nakuul-mehta-is-ranbir-kapoors-voice-in-bollywood-film-animal-shares-video-of-the-english-dubbed-version/articleshow/107556704.cms |archive-date=9 February 2024 |access-date=9 February 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>

On [[Netflix]], ''Animal'' became one of the most watched films with 11.7 million viewership in first two weeks, surpassing films ''[[Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire]]'' and ''[[Dunki (film)|Dunki]]''.<ref name="bolly" /> ''Animal'' ranked in the top 10 in six countries in the first week, 17 countries in the second, and continued to maintain the ranking in the following weeks in nine countries.<ref name="bolly">{{Cite web |date=7 March 2024 |title=Animal, with 11.7 Million viewership in the first two weeks, surpasses Salaar and Dunki |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/animal-11-7-million-viewership-first-two-weeks-surpasses-salaar-dunki/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309143817/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/animal-11-7-million-viewership-first-two-weeks-surpasses-salaar-dunki/ |archive-date=9 March 2024 |access-date=9 March 2024 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref>

==Reception==
===Box office===
''Animal'' broke several box-office records for a Hindi film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-09 |title=Controversial Bollywood Blockbuster 'Animal' Eyes Massive Global Box Office |url=https://collider.com/animal-global-box-office-70-million/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115194118/https://collider.com/animal-global-box-office-70-million/ |archive-date=2024-01-15 |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Collider |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-04 |title=Animal movie box office collection: RK vs SRK! Ranbir Kapoor's film shatters Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan's opening weekend collection |url=https://www.etnownews.com/news/animal-movie-box-office-collection-rk-vs-srk-ranbir-kapoors-film-shatters-shah-rukh-khans-jawans-opening-weekend-collection-article-105719568 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230235850/https://www.etnownews.com/news/animal-movie-box-office-collection-rk-vs-srk-ranbir-kapoors-film-shatters-shah-rukh-khans-jawans-opening-weekend-collection-article-105719568 |archive-date=2023-12-30 |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=[[ET Now]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-05 |title=All the Records Ranbir Kapoor's 'Animal' Has Broken at the Box Office So Far |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/bollywood/all-the-records-ranbir-kapoors-animal-has-broken-at-the-box-office-so-far#read-more |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230235850/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/bollywood/all-the-records-ranbir-kapoors-animal-has-broken-at-the-box-office-so-far#read-more |archive-date=2023-12-30 |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=The Quint |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bollywood Top Grossers Worldwide |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/box-office-collections/worldwide/all-time/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128100840/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/box-office-collections/worldwide/all-time/ |archive-date=2023-01-28 |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en}}</ref> The film had the fourth-biggest advance booking in Hindi cinema, and the third-highest for 2023 after ''[[Jawan (film)|Jawan]]'' and ''[[Pathaan (film)|Pathaan]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 December 2023 |title=All Time Top Advances - Animal Fourth |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=8151 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202225443/https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=8151 |archive-date=2 December 2023 |access-date=1 December 2023 |publisher=[[Box Office India]]}}</ref> On its opening day, the film collected a total India net of {{INRConvert|63.8|c}} second highest after ''Jawan'', worldwide gross of {{INRConvert|116|c}} including overseas gross of US$5.5 million (₹46 crore).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-02 |title=Animal box office: 7 records created by Ranbir Kapoor-Rashmika Mandanna starrer on its opening day |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/animal-box-office-7-records-created-by-ranbir-kapoor-rashmika-mandanna-starrer-on-its-opening-day-13455372.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230165411/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/animal-box-office-7-records-created-by-ranbir-kapoor-rashmika-mandanna-starrer-on-its-opening-day-13455372.html |archive-date=2023-12-30 |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Firstpost |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-02 |title=Animal Box Office: Is 2nd biggest opener ever in history, 4 releases from 2023 in the Top-10 list |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/animal-box-office-2nd-biggest-opener-ever-history-4-releases-2023-top-10-list/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202114752/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/animal-box-office-2nd-biggest-opener-ever-history-4-releases-2023-top-10-list/ |archive-date=2023-12-02 |access-date=2023-01-01 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en}}</ref> Eventually it became the highest non-holiday opening of all time for a Hindi film breaking the previous record held by Ranbir Kapoor's ''[[Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-02 |title=Five records broken by Ranbir Kapoor's 'Animal' on Day 1 at box office |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/five-records-broken-by-ranbir-kapoors-animal-on-day-1-at-box-office-2470224-2023-12-02 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230165411/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/five-records-broken-by-ranbir-kapoors-animal-on-day-1-at-box-office-2470224-2023-12-02 |archive-date=2023-12-30 |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> On its second day, netted over ₹67 crore and over ₹70 crore on third day in India for a three days total net collection of ₹201 crore and became one of the fastest Hindi film to achieve this after ''Jawan'',<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-04 |title=Animal Box Office: Ranbir Kapoor starrer collects Rs. 201.76 cr on opening weekend; emerges as third all-time highest opening weekend grosser |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/animal-box-office-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-collects-rs-201-76-cr-opening-weekend-emerges-third-time-highest-opening-weekend-grosser/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230213415/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/animal-box-office-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-collects-rs-201-76-cr-opening-weekend-emerges-third-time-highest-opening-weekend-grosser/ |archive-date=2023-12-30 |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-05 |title=Animal box office collection day 3: Ranbir Kapoor film earns Rs 360 cr worldwide gross, demolishes this Shah Rukh Khan record |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/animal-box-office-collection-day-3-ranbir-kapoor-film-worldwide-gross-demolishes-this-shah-rukh-khan-record-9053366/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230213415/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/animal-box-office-collection-day-3-ranbir-kapoor-film-worldwide-gross-demolishes-this-shah-rukh-khan-record-9053366/ |archive-date=2023-12-30 |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> making it third top opening weekend for Hindi films.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top Opening Weekend |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/all-time-top-opening-weekend/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811001347/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/all-time-top-opening-weekend/ |archive-date=2023-08-11 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref> Worldwide it earned over {{INRConvert|100|c}} for three consecutive days during its opening weekend, for a total worldwide weekend gross collection of ₹356 crore (US$42.1 million).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-04 |title=Animal box office collection: Ranbir Kapoor's film makes Rs 356 cr worldwide in 3 days! |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/story/animal-box-office-collection-ranbir-kapoors-film-makes-rs-356-cr-worldwide-in-3-days-408085-2023-12-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230213415/https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/story/animal-box-office-collection-ranbir-kapoors-film-makes-rs-356-cr-worldwide-in-3-days-408085-2023-12-04 |archive-date=2023-12-30 |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref> It had one of the highest Hindi net collection on its first Monday and Tuesday.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-05 |title=Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal gives the biggest Monday of all time, conquers by collecting Rs 40.06 crores |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/life/entertainment-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-animal-gives-the-biggest-monday-of-all-time-conquers-by-collecting-rs-40-06-crores-3328686/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231034349/https://www.financialexpress.com/life/entertainment-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-animal-gives-the-biggest-monday-of-all-time-conquers-by-collecting-rs-40-06-crores-3328686/ |archive-date=2023-12-31 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=The Financial Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-06 |title=Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal beats Jawan, Pathaan & Baahubali 2 to become 2nd highest first Tuesday grosser of all-time |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ranbir-kapoor-starrer-animal-beats-jawan-pathaan-baahubali-2-to-become-2nd-highest-first-tuesday-grosser-of-all-time-box-office-13470692.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231032847/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ranbir-kapoor-starrer-animal-beats-jawan-pathaan-baahubali-2-to-become-2nd-highest-first-tuesday-grosser-of-all-time-box-office-13470692.html |archive-date=2023-12-31 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=Firstpost |language=en}}</ref> In the first week it earned a total worldwide gross collection of {{INRConvert|563|c}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-08 |title=Animal box office collection day 7: Ranbir Kapoor's blockbuster passes Rs 563 crore worldwide, is just Rs 4 crore short of Sanju record |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/animal-box-office-collection-day-7-ranbir-kapoor-550-crore-9059264/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231032849/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/animal-box-office-collection-day-7-ranbir-kapoor-550-crore-9059264/ |archive-date=2023-12-31 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> On its 8th day, the film surpassed the lifetime worldwide collection of ''[[Sanju]]'' (2018) and becomes the highest-grossing film of [[Ranbir Kapoor filmography|Kapoor's career]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-09 |title=Animal box office collection day 8: Ranbir Kapoor breaks his own record, Sandeep Reddy Vanga's blockbuster passes Rs 600 crore worldwide |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/animal-box-office-collection-day-8-ranbir-kapoor-blockbuster-rs-600-crore-worldwide-9060786/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231032847/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/animal-box-office-collection-day-8-ranbir-kapoor-blockbuster-rs-600-crore-worldwide-9060786/ |archive-date=2023-12-31 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> On its 17th day, the film reached ₹500 crore net collection across all languages in India and on the same day the film crosses 3 crore footfalls in India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-18 |title=Animal box office collection day 17: Ranbir Kapoor's film enters ₹500 crore in India |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/animal-box-office-collection-day-17-ranbir-kapoor-film-enters-rs-500-crore-in-india-101702827677387.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231032849/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/animal-box-office-collection-day-17-ranbir-kapoor-film-enters-rs-500-crore-in-india-101702827677387.html |archive-date=2023-12-31 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-18 |title=Animal Box Office Collection Day 17: Ranbir Kapoor's Film Enters The Rupees 500 Crore Club |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/animal-box-office-collection-day-17-ranbir-kapoor-s-film-enters-500-crore-club-4694777 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231032847/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/animal-box-office-collection-day-17-ranbir-kapoor-s-film-enters-500-crore-club-4694777 |archive-date=2023-12-31 |access-date=2023-12-31 |publisher=NDTV |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ranbir Kapoor Box Office: India Box Office – Footfalls |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrity/ranbir-kapoor/box-office/footfalls |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231032851/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrity/ranbir-kapoor/box-office/footfalls/ |archive-date=2023-12-31 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en}}</ref> On its 35th day, the film reached ₹500 crore net in Hindi and ₹550 crore across all languages in India, eventually it became the [[List of highest domestic net collection of Hindi films#Domestic net figures|second-highest net grossing Hindi film in India]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-06 |title=Animal Box Office: Ranbir Kapoor starrer crosses Rs. 550 crores at the India box office |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/animal-box-office-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-crosses-rs-550-crores-india-box-office/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108213148/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/animal-box-office-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-crosses-rs-550-crores-india-box-office/ |archive-date=2024-01-08 |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en}}</ref> [[Box Office India]] declared the film an ''All Time Blockbuster''.<ref name="atbb">{{Cite web |title=Animal Is Another ALL TIME BLOCKBUSTER |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=8181 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231043745/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=8181 |archive-date=2023-12-31 |access-date=2023-12-31 |publisher=[[Box Office India]]}}</ref>

In the United States, the film was released alongside ''[[Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé]]'', ''[[Silent Night (2023 film)|Silent Night]]'', ''[[Godzilla Minus One]]'', and ''[[The Shift (2023 film)|The Shift]]'', and made [[Dollar sign|$]]6.1 million from 888 theatres in its opening weekend, finishing in seventh place, behind the second weekend totals of ''[[Wish (film)|Wish]]'' and ''[[Napoleon (2023 film)|Napoleon]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé' $22M Opening Irreplaceable For Sleepy Early December Weekend; Fuels $95M+ Frame Best Post 2018 – Update |url=https://deadline.com/2023/12/box-office-renaissance-a-film-by-beyonce-godzilla-minus-one-hunger-games-1235647651 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202230447/https://deadline.com/2023/12/box-office-renaissance-a-film-by-beyonce-godzilla-minus-one-hunger-games-1235647651/ |archive-date=2 December 2023 |access-date=3 December 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |language=en}}</ref> Worldwide, it emerged as the No. 1 film on its opening weekend with the total of $42.1 million including the $13.88 million of international markets, surpassing all the films globally.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Global Box Office: Ranbir Kapoor's 'Animal' Is Worldwide Top Film, Ahead of 'Napoleon,' 'Hunger Games' |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/global/ranbir-kapoor-animal-napoleon-hunger-games-box-office-1235820070/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204014632/https://variety.com/2023/film/global/ranbir-kapoor-animal-napoleon-hunger-games-box-office-1235820070/ |archive-date=4 December 2023 |access-date=3 December 2023 |website=Variety |language=en}}</ref> In its first week the film earned over $19.2 million from international markets.{{efn|name="animal"}}

The film has grossed over {{INRConvert|662.33|c}} in India and {{INRConvert|255.49|c}} in overseas for a worldwide gross collection ranging between {{INRConvert|917.82|c}}.{{efn|name="animal"}} As of December 2025, it is the fourth highest-grossing Bollywood action film of all time as per [[Box Office India]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Top India Action Grossers All Time|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/genre.php?genre=action|publisher=[[Box Office India]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250615032007/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/genre.php?genre=action|archive-date=15 June 2025|access-date=1 December 2025}}</ref>

===Critical response ===
''Animal'' received mixed reviews from critics.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Agarwal |first=Mehak |date=6 December 2023 |title='Animal' box office collection day 5: Ranbir Kapoor's film cruising towards Rs 300 crore in India |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/story/animal-box-office-collection-day-5-ranbir-kapoors-film-cruising-towards-rs-300-crore-in-india-408347-2023-12-06 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250219172709/https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/story/animal-box-office-collection-day-5-ranbir-kapoors-film-cruising-towards-rs-300-crore-in-india-408347-2023-12-06 |archive-date=19 February 2025 |access-date=19 February 2025 |work=[[Business Today (India)|Business Today]] |quote=Ranbir Kapoor's latest film Animal had opened to mixed reviews from critics and moviegoers at the box office. While some appreciated Ranbir Kapoor's performance as Ranvijay Singh Balbir, others found the film problematic on multiple counts.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Joshi |first=Poorva |date=15 December 2023 |title='Animal' glorifies violence, misogyny. Is its success a stamp of approval? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/standpoint/story/animal-violence-misogyny-ranbir-kapoor-anil-kapoor-rashmika-mandanna-box-office-collection-2474838-2023-12-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122101523/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/standpoint/story/animal-violence-misogyny-ranbir-kapoor-anil-kapoor-rashmika-mandanna-box-office-collection-2474838-2023-12-15 |archive-date=22 January 2025 |access-date=19 February 2025 |work=[[India Today]] |quote='Animal' received mixed reviews.}}</ref> {{Rotten Tomatoes prose|score=30|count=27|average=4.4|consensus=Overlong, overly violent, and thinly written, ''Animal'' goes wildly over the top to little avail.|ref=yes |access-date=December 14, 2023}} {{MC film|33|4|ref=yes|access-date=January 4, 2024}}

Awarding the film 4.5/5 stars, ''[[Bollywood Hungama]]'' praised "Ranbir Kapoor’s outstanding performance, clap-worthy massy scenes, and interval block."<ref name="bollywoodhungama.com" /> [[Sukanya Verma]] of ''[[Rediff.com|Rediff]]'' gave 4/5 stars and wrote "''Animal'' is relentless as a euphoric medley of feral rage and dance of the dysfunctional. The twists go on well until end credits as more blood is splattered our way."<ref name="Verma" /> Ganesh Aaglave of ''[[Firstpost]]'' gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote, "''Animal'' is an adrenaline experience which will have polarising views but you can't deny its entertaining quotient, breathtaking performances and storytelling."<ref name="firstpost.com" /> Puja Awasthi of ''[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]]'' gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "''Animal'' for all its blood and gore, is the story of a son’s aching desire for his father’s approval. Why even its ballads are less romantic, more revenge. And its female characters for all their luminosity, are just props."<ref name="theweek.in" />

Monika Rawal Kukreja of ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' found it "an absolute massy, entertaining and extremely violent thriller which doesn't believe in conforming to the norms", while adding that the extreme violence might be off-putting for some.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-01 |last=Kukreja |first=Monika Rawal |title=Animal movie review: Ranbir Kapoor's action tale is flawed, overtly violent and misogynist; yet it entertains |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/animal-movie-review-ranbir-kapoors-action-tale-is-flawed-overtly-violent-and-misogynist-yet-it-entertains-101701415512247.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201115617/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/animal-movie-review-ranbir-kapoors-action-tale-is-flawed-overtly-violent-and-misogynist-yet-it-entertains-101701415512247.html |archive-date=2023-12-01 |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> Titas Chowdhury of ''[[News18]]'' gave 3.5/5 stars, labelled it "dark, loud and garish but also unapologetic", and thought that Ranbir Kapoor "breathes life into this undesirable character with a lot of charisma and swag".<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 2023 |title=Animal Review: Ranbir Kapoor, Bobby Deol Hit It Out Of The Park With This Violent Revenge Saga |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/animal-review-ranbir-kapoor-bobby-deol-hit-it-out-of-the-park-with-sandeep-reddy-vanga-movie-8684337.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202225414/https://www.news18.com/movies/animal-review-ranbir-kapoor-bobby-deol-hit-it-out-of-the-park-with-sandeep-reddy-vanga-movie-8684337.html |archive-date=2023-12-02 |access-date=2023-12-01 |last=Chowdhury |first=Titas |website=[[News18]]}}</ref> Abhimanyu Mathur of ''[[DNA India]]'' rated the film 3.5/5 and opined, "''Animal'' takes everything that was problematic and increases it several notches. It is downright the most violent Hindi film I have seen, and also one of the most inherently toxic. The amazing part is that it is still very well made and entertaining, enhanced further by yet another great performance from Kapoor."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Animal review: Sandeep Reddy Vanga serves toxicity, misogyny in violent yet entertaining film, elevated by Ranbir Kapoor |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-animal-review-sandeep-reddy-vanga-ranbir-kapoor-serve-toxicity-violent-entertaining-film-rashmika-anil-bobby-3070244/amp |last=Mathur |first=Abhimanyu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201173728/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-animal-review-sandeep-reddy-vanga-ranbir-kapoor-serve-toxicity-violent-entertaining-film-rashmika-anil-bobby-3070244/amp |archive-date=1 December 2023 |access-date=1 December 2023 |website=[[DNA India]]}}</ref>

Conversely, Renuka Vyavahare of ''[[The Times of India]]'' gave 2.5/5 stars and termed the film "all swag and no substance derailed family drama"; she was critical of "Vanga's take on women or violence" but praised Ranbir's "raw sex appeal and unmatched intensity".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vyavahare |first=Renuka |date=2023-12-01 |title=Animal Movie Review: Ranbir Kapoor Aces Deranged Character In This Derailed Family Drama |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/animal/movie-review/105651233.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207102838/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/animal/movie-review/105651233.cms |archive-date=2023-12-07 |access-date=2023-12-01 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> ''[[India Today]]''{{'}}s Anvita Singh gave 2/5 stars and wrote "Ranbir Kapoor is stellar in problematic, paper-thin film."<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 December 2023 |last=Singh |first=Anvita |title=Animal' Movie Review: Ranbir Kapoor is stellar in problematic, paper-thin film |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/animal-movie-review-ranbir-kapoor-is-stellar-in-problematic-paper-thin-film-2469885-2023-12-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201140448/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/animal-movie-review-ranbir-kapoor-is-stellar-in-problematic-paper-thin-film-2469885-2023-12-01 |archive-date=1 December 2023 |access-date=1 December 2023 |website=[[India Today]]}}</ref> Nandini Ramnath of ''[[Scroll.in]]'' wrote "Ranbir is on fire, inhabiting to a frightening degree Vijay's delusional personal war. Reptile-eyed even at his smoldering best, Kapoor's career-best performance makes ''Animal'' tough to stomach, but equally difficult to ignore."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramnath |first=Nandini |date=2023-12-01 |title='Animal' review: Hard to stomach – but equally hard to ignore |url=https://scroll.in/reel/1059750/animal-review-hard-to-stomach-but-equally-hard-to-ignore |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201135800/https://scroll.in/reel/1059750/animal-review-hard-to-stomach-but-equally-hard-to-ignore |archive-date=1 December 2023 |access-date=1 December 2023 |website=[[Scroll.in]]}}</ref>

In a negative review, [[Shubhra Gupta]] of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' expressed disappointment that the performances of Ranbir and Anil Kapoor had been "wasted in this pointless, vile tale."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shubhra |first=Gupta |date=1 December 2023 |title=Animal movie review: Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor wasted in this pointless, vile tale |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/animal-movie-review-ranbir-kapoor-anil-kapoor-wasted-pointless-tale-sandeep-reddy-vanga-9049874/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201083546/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/animal-movie-review-ranbir-kapoor-anil-kapoor-wasted-pointless-tale-sandeep-reddy-vanga-9049874/ |archive-date=1 December 2023 |access-date=1 December 2023 |website=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref> She later named it the worst film of 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gupta |first=Shubhra |date=28 December 2023 |title=The Worst Films of 2023: Animal, Adipurush and Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan feature in Shubhra Gupta's list |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/worst-films-of-2023-animal-adipurush-kisi-ka-bhai-kisi-ki-jaan-salman-khan-9069498/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250220064148/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/worst-films-of-2023-animal-adipurush-kisi-ka-bhai-kisi-ki-jaan-salman-khan-9069498/ |archive-date=20 February 2025 |access-date=20 February 2025 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |quote=When I started thinking of the worst films of the year, Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal won hands down.}}</ref> [[Saibal Chatterjee]] of [[NDTV]] gave 1.5/5 stars and wrote "The sickeningly violent father-son action drama rarely pauses for breath."<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 December 2023 |last=Chatterjee |first=Saibal |title=Animal Review: Ranbir Kapoor Delivers Powerful Performance In Off-Putting And Tiresome Film |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/animal-review-ranbir-kapoor-delivers-powerful-performance-in-off-putting-and-tiresome-film-1-5-stars-4624041 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201102812/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/animal-review-ranbir-kapoor-delivers-powerful-performance-in-off-putting-and-tiresome-film-1-5-stars-4624041 |archive-date=1 December 2023 |access-date=1 December 2023 |website=NDTV.in}}</ref> Sowmya Rajendran of ''[[The News Minute]]'' gave 1.5/5 stars and wrote: "Sandeep Reddy Vanga's film has the kind of writing you'll find in BDSM erotica like ''[[Fifty Shades of Grey]]'', but presented with the same earnestness of 'pure love' that we saw in ''[[Arjun Reddy]]''."<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 December 2023 |last=Rajendran |first=Sowmya |title=Animal review: An overlong, tedious circus of low-IQ alpha males |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/animal-review-an-overlong-tedious-circus-of-low-iq-alpha-males |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202225413/https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/animal-review-an-overlong-tedious-circus-of-low-iq-alpha-males |archive-date=2 December 2023 |access-date=1 December 2023 |website=[[The News Minute]]}}</ref> Pranati A S of ''[[Deccan Herald]]'' gave 1/5 stars and wrote "If you thought ''Arjun Reddy'' was toxic, then ''Animal'' will rattle your cage."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pranati |first=A.S |date=2 December 2023 |title=Animal movie review: Another toxic film from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's 'alpha male' franchise |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/animal-movie-review-another-toxic-film-from-sandeep-reddy-vangas-alpha-male-franchise-2793647/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202002733/http://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/animal-movie-review-another-toxic-film-from-sandeep-reddy-vangas-alpha-male-franchise-2793647 |archive-date=2 December 2023 |access-date=2 December 2023 |website=[[Deccan Herald]]}}</ref>

===Industry reception===
Amid the controversial reception about alleged glorification of violence, the film was defended by some filmmakers such as [[Ram Gopal Varma]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 August 2024 |title=Ram Gopal Varma continues DEFENDING Animal, calls Ranbir Kapoor starrer "least expensive film": "Sandeep Reddy Vanga proved them wrong" |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/ram-gopal-varma-continues-defending-animal-calls-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-least-expensive-film-sandeep-reddy-vanga-proved-wrong/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807104229/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/ram-gopal-varma-continues-defending-animal-calls-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-least-expensive-film-sandeep-reddy-vanga-proved-wrong/ |archive-date=7 August 2024 |access-date=7 August 2024 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref> [[Anurag Kashyap]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 January 2024 |title=Anurag Kashyap meets Sandeep Reddy Vanga after watching Animal 'twice'; calls him 'most misunderstood, judged filmmaker at the moment' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/anurag-kashyap-meets-sandeep-reddy-vanga-after-watching-animal-twice-calls-him-most-misunderstood-judged-filmmaker-at-the-moment-9107978/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114105028/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/anurag-kashyap-meets-sandeep-reddy-vanga-after-watching-animal-twice-calls-him-most-misunderstood-judged-filmmaker-at-the-moment-9107978/ |archive-date=14 January 2024 |access-date=15 January 2024 |website=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 June 2024 |title=Anurag Kashyap backs 'honest' Sandeep Reddy Vanga, compares him to 'toxic' Bollywood folks: 'I want to call out the hypocrisy' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/anurag-kashyap-backs-honest-sandeep-reddy-vanga-compares-toxic-bollywood-folks-call-out-hypocrisy-9384819/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240611063238/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/anurag-kashyap-backs-honest-sandeep-reddy-vanga-compares-toxic-bollywood-folks-call-out-hypocrisy-9384819/ |archive-date=11 June 2024 |access-date=11 June 2024 |website=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 June 2024 |title=Anurag Kashyap Says He Loves Talking To Sandeep Reddy Vanga: 'A Lot Of People In The Industry Are Toxic' |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/anurag-kashyap-says-he-loves-talking-to-sandeep-reddy-vanga-a-lot-of-people-in-the-industry-are-toxic-8929113.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240611223846/https://www.news18.com/movies/anurag-kashyap-says-he-loves-talking-to-sandeep-reddy-vanga-a-lot-of-people-in-the-industry-are-toxic-8929113.html |archive-date=11 June 2024 |access-date=11 June 2024 |website=[[CNN-News18]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 June 2024 |title=Anurag Kashyap says his daughter Aaliyah called him out for views on Animal and photo with Sandeep Reddy Vanga |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/anurag-kashyap-says-his-daughter-aaliyah-called-him-out-for-views-on-animal-and-photo-with-sandeep-reddy-vanga-101718885106905.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620125931/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/anurag-kashyap-says-his-daughter-aaliyah-called-him-out-for-views-on-animal-and-photo-with-sandeep-reddy-vanga-101718885106905.html |archive-date=20 June 2024 |access-date=20 June 2024 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> [[Vikram Bhatt]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 January 2024 |title=Vikram Bhatt says discussions around Animal 'too much', cites Shah Rukh Khan's Darr and Al Pacino's Scarface: 'Films are not community service' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/vikram-bhatt-discussions-animal-quotes-examples-shah-rukh-khan-darr-al-pacino-sacrface-9108209/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114070350/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/vikram-bhatt-discussions-animal-quotes-examples-shah-rukh-khan-darr-al-pacino-sacrface-9108209/ |archive-date=14 January 2024 |access-date=15 January 2024 |website=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref> and [[Sanjay Gupta (director)|Sanjay Gupta]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 January 2024 |title='Javed Akhtar isn't accepting that society has changed': Sanjay Gupta sides with Sandeep Reddy Vanga in Animal debate |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/javed-akhtar-isnt-accepting-that-society-has-changed-sanjay-gupta-sides-with-sandeep-reddy-vanga-in-animal-debate-9126626/ |access-date=25 January 2024 |website=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref> as well as actresses [[Rashmika Mandanna]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 January 2024 |title=Rashmika Mandanna defends Sandeep Reddy Vanga; says, 'He functions differently' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rashmika-mandanna-defends-sandeep-reddy-vanga-unique-filmmaking-approach-supported/articleshow/106978835.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119104111/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rashmika-mandanna-defends-sandeep-reddy-vanga-unique-filmmaking-approach-supported/articleshow/106978835.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=19 January 2024 |access-date=19 January 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> [[Sargun Mehta]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 February 2024 |title=Sargun Mehta defends Sandeep Reddy Vanga on misogyny in Animal, says if people want to learn lessons from films, 'Let's shut down schools' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/sargun-mehta-defends-sandeep-reddy-vanga-on-misogyny-in-animal-says-if-people-want-to-learn-lessons-from-films-lets-shut-down-schools-9167637/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218083654/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/sargun-mehta-defends-sandeep-reddy-vanga-on-misogyny-in-animal-says-if-people-want-to-learn-lessons-from-films-lets-shut-down-schools-9167637/ |archive-date=18 February 2024 |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref> [[Indira Krishnan]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kapoor |first=Mugdha |date=24 June 2024 |title=Animal actor Indira Krishna defends Sandeep Reddy Vanga in verbal spat with Adil Hussain |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/animal-actor-indira-krishna-defends-sandeep-reddy-vanga-in-verbal-spat-with-adil-hussain-101719204436613.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624074902/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/animal-actor-indira-krishna-defends-sandeep-reddy-vanga-in-verbal-spat-with-adil-hussain-101719204436613.html |archive-date=24 June 2024 |access-date=24 June 2024 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> and [[Bhumi Pednekar]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 February 2024 |title=Bhumi Pednekar defends Ranbir Kapoor starrer 'Animal'; says Sandeep Reddy Vanga has right of 'self expression' as a filmmaker |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/bhumi-pednekar-defends-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-animal-says-sandeep-reddy-vanga-has-right-of-self-expression-as-a-filmmaker/articleshow/107559747.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209130450/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/bhumi-pednekar-defends-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-animal-says-sandeep-reddy-vanga-has-right-of-self-expression-as-a-filmmaker/articleshow/107559747.cms |archive-date=9 February 2024 |access-date=9 February 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Mandanna and Krishnan were part of the film. Apart from this, actors [[Emraan Hashmi]], [[Rajkummar Rao]], [[Arshad Warsi]] and [[Puneet Issar]] have also liked as well as defended the film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 August 2024 |title=Emraan Hashmi On Wanting To Be A Part Of Animal: "I Know There Is A Lot Of Backlash But..." |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/animal-is-the-film-emraan-hashmi-wishes-he-had-done-6245702 |access-date=2 August 2024 |publisher=[[NDTV]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=23 August 2024 |title=Rajkummar Rao on criticism of Ranbir's Animal: Film is not titled Adarsh Purush |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/rajkummar-rao-on-criticism-of-ranbir-kapoor-animal-film-is-not-titled-adarsh-purush-2586652-2024-08-23 |access-date=23 August 2024 |website=[[India Today]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 April 2025 |title=Puneet Issar calls Ranbir's Animal 'amazing', defends violent, alpha-male films: 'Kya lesbian, gay par hi films banaye?' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/puneet-issar-calls-ranbirs-animal-amazing-defends-violent-alpha-male-films-kya-lesbian-gay-par-hi-films-banaye-101745905735836.html |access-date=29 April 2025 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref>

Conversely, the film was criticised by filmmaker [[Kiran Rao]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 February 2024 |title=After Sandeep Reddy Vanga's criticism, Aamir Khan's apology for objectifying women in films resurfaces: 'I am ashamed…' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/after-sandeep-reddy-vangas-criticism-aamir-khans-apology-for-objectifying-women-in-films-resurfaces-i-am-ashamed-9143378/lite/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250219180350/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/after-sandeep-reddy-vangas-criticism-aamir-khans-apology-for-objectifying-women-in-films-resurfaces-i-am-ashamed-9143378/lite/ |archive-date=19 February 2025 |access-date=19 February 2025 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |quote=Responding to backlash from filmmaker Kiran Rao, Aamir Khan’s ex-wife, Sandeep suggested in a recent interview that she should first criticise Aamir’s films.}}</ref> actresses [[Parvathy Thiruvothu|Parvathy]],<ref>{{Cite news |title=Bhumi Pednekar defends Sandeep Reddy Vanga's right of 'self expression', says the 'challenge' is for the audience: 'What you learn from Animal…' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/bhumi-pednekar-defends-sandeep-reddy-vangas-right-of-self-expression-says-the-challenge-is-for-the-audience-9153029/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250219164937/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/bhumi-pednekar-defends-sandeep-reddy-vangas-right-of-self-expression-says-the-challenge-is-for-the-audience-9153029/ |archive-date=19 February 2025 |access-date=19 February 2025 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |quote=While many celebrities like Javed Akhtar and Parvathy Thiruvothu have come forth and criticised Animal, Bhumi Pednekar, in a recent interview, shared her opinion on the film.}}</ref> [[Konkona Sen Sharma]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 May 2024 |last=Chowdhury |first=Madhumanti Pait |title=Manoj Bajpayee On The Buzz Around Animal: "If You Don't Want To Watch It, Then Don't" |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/manoj-bajpayee-on-the-buzz-around-animal-if-you-dont-want-to-watch-it-then-dont-5667914 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250219181108/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/manoj-bajpayee-on-the-buzz-around-animal-if-you-dont-want-to-watch-it-then-dont-5667914 |archive-date=19 February 2025 |access-date=19 February 2025 |publisher=[[NDTV]] |quote=Celebrities like Javed Akhtar, Konkona Sen Sharma also expressed their thoughts on the film and they didn't approve of the content of the film.}}</ref> and [[Kangana Ranaut]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 August 2024|title=Kangana Ranaut slams Ranbir Kapoor's 'Animal' for promoting violence 'just for fun' |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/kangana-ranaut-slams-ranbir-kapoor-animal-for-promoting-violence-just-for-fun-2588590-2024-08-27 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916050440/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/kangana-ranaut-slams-ranbir-kapoor-animal-for-promoting-violence-just-for-fun-2588590-2024-08-27 |archive-date=16 September 2024 |access-date=19 February 2025 |work=[[India Today]] |quote=Actor Kangana Ranaut has slammed the film for showcasing violence and drug abuse.}}</ref> and lyricists [[Javed Akhtar]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 November 2024 |title=Javed Akhtar compares people who made Animal to 'perverts': 'Vulgarity has found acceptance in middle class' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/javed-akhtar-says-people-who-liked-animal-are-the-bigger-problem-than-the-film-9686270/lite/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250219164012/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/javed-akhtar-says-people-who-liked-animal-are-the-bigger-problem-than-the-film-9686270/lite/ |archive-date=19 February 2025 |access-date=19 February 2025 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |quote=Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal drew a lot of criticism from lyric writer Javed Akhtar when it released in 2023.}}</ref> and [[Swanand Kirkire]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sharma |first=Dishya |date=6 December 2023|title=Animal Team Gives Shocking Reply To Swanand Kirkire Who Slammed Ranbir Kapoor Film: 'Do Not Let Your...' |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/animal-team-gives-shocking-reply-to-swanand-kirkire-who-slammed-ranbir-kapoor-film-do-not-let-your-8692901.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216045727/https://www.news18.com/movies/animal-team-gives-shocking-reply-to-swanand-kirkire-who-slammed-ranbir-kapoor-film-do-not-let-your-8692901.html |archive-date=16 December 2023 |access-date=19 February 2025 |work=[[News18 India]] |quote=The lyricist and playback singer criticised the Sandeep Reddy Vanga film on X earlier this week.}}</ref> Furthermore, filmmaker [[Vishal Bhardwaj]] had mixed reactions about the film.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Vishal Bhardwaj 'hated' and 'enjoyed' Ranbir Kapoor's 'Animal' |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/vishal-bhardwaj-hated-and-enjoyed-ranbir-kapoors-animal-2531035-2024-04-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250219182657/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/vishal-bhardwaj-hated-and-enjoyed-ranbir-kapoors-animal-2531035-2024-04-24 |archive-date=19 February 2025 |access-date=19 February 2025 |work=[[India Today]] |quote=He admitted to watching the movie but was unsure of his verdict about it. Bhardwaj, in a recent interview, said he 'hated' and 'enjoyed' the Ranbir Kapoor-led film.}}</ref> Vanga responded to the criticism from the actors and filmmakers with more criticism.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 June 2024|title=Adil Hussain fires back at Sandeep Reddy Vanga's 'greedy' remark: Entire case explained! |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/bollywood/adil-hussain-fires-back-at-sandeep-reddy-vangas-greedy-remark-entire-case-explained-1503309350.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250219171416/https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/bollywood/adil-hussain-fires-back-at-sandeep-reddy-vangas-greedy-remark-entire-case-explained-1503309350.html |archive-date=19 February 2025 |access-date=19 February 2025 |work=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] |quote=Previously, Vanga had also attacked other actors and filmmakers for criticizing his film ‘Animal.’}}</ref> Defending the film again, Mandanna also reiterated that it was just a film about a "messed-up character" and requested viewers to watch films without judging actors for the roles they play.<ref>{{cite web |date=30 Jun 2025 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rashmika-mandanna-defends-ranbir-kapoors-messed-up-character-in-sandeep-reddy-vangas-animal-101751294869318.html|title=Rashmika Mandanna defends Ranbir Kapoor's messed-up character in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal: 'Nobody is forcing you…'|website=[[Hindustan Times]]|quote=It’s just that Sandeep Reddy Vanga spoke about a messed-up character, and that’s about it. It seems to me that people have celebrated it because it made the numbers. So I didn’t feel I had to be disturbed by the conversation. We made this film, it worked, people liked or disliked it—that’s their personal thing. People should really go watch a film for what it is, and not judge an actor for playing these characters. It’s acting for a reason.|access-date=30 June 2025|archive-date=1 July 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250701155504/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rashmika-mandanna-defends-ranbir-kapoors-messed-up-character-in-sandeep-reddy-vangas-animal-101751294869318.html}}</ref>

== Accolades ==
{| class="sortable wikitable"
|-
! scope="col" | Award
! scope="col" | Ceremony date
! scope="col" | Category
! scope="col" | Recipients
! scope="col" | Result
! class="unsortable" scope="col" | {{Refh}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="19" |[[Filmfare Awards]]
| rowspan="19" |[[69th Filmfare Awards|28 January 2024]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Film|Best Film]]
|[[T-Series Films]], Cine1 Studios, Bhadrakali Pictures
| rowspan="3" {{nom}}
| rowspan="19" | <ref name=NOM>{{Cite web |title=List of Nominations for 69th Filmfare Awards 2024 |url=https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-2024/nominations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115192540/https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-2024/nominations |archive-date=2024-01-15 |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=filmfare.com |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Director|Best Director]]
| rowspan="2" |[[Sandeep Reddy Vanga]]
|-
|[[Filmfare Best Editing Award|Best Editing]]
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
|[[Ranbir Kapoor]]
|{{won}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 January 2024 |title=Filmfare Awards 2024 full list: Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, '12th Fail' win big |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/filmfare-awards-2024-full-list-ranbir-kapoor-alia-bhatt-and-12th-fail-win-big-2494741-2024-01-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129084122/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/filmfare-awards-2024-full-list-ranbir-kapoor-alia-bhatt-and-12th-fail-win-big-2494741-2024-01-29 |archive-date=29 January 2024 |access-date=29 January 2024 |work=India Today}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]]
|[[Bobby Deol]]
|rowspan="4"{{nom}}
|-
|[[Anil Kapoor]]
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]]
|[[Triptii Dimri]]
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Screenplay|Best Screenplay]]
|Sandeep Reddy Vanga<br>Pranay Reddy Vanga<br>Suresh Bandaru
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director|Best Music Director]]
|[[Pritam]]<br>[[Vishal Mishra (composer)|Vishal Mishra]]<br>[[Harshavardhan Rameshwar]]<br>Shreyas Puranik<br>Ashim Kemson<br>Bhupinder Babbal<br>[[Jaani (songwriter)|Jaani]]
|{{won}}<ref name=NOM/>
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist|Best Lyricist]]
|[[Siddharth–Garima]] – "Satranga"
|rowspan="2"{{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer|Best Male Playback Singer]]
|[[Arijit Singh]] – "Satranga"
|-
|Bhupinder Babbal – "Arjan Vailly"
|{{won}}<ref name=NOM/>
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Background Score|Best Background Score]]
|[[Harshavardhan Rameshwar]]
|{{won}}<ref name=NOM/>
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Art Direction|Best Production Design]]
|[[Suresh Selvarajan]]
|rowspan="2"{{nom}}
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer|Best Cinematography]]
|Amit Roy
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Sound Design|Best Sound Design]]
|Sync Cinema
|{{won}}
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Costume Design|Best Costume Design]]
|[[Sheetal Sharma]]
|rowspan="3"{{nom}}
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Action|Best Action]]
|Supreme Sundar
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Special Effects|Best Special Effects]]
|Do It Creative LTD<br>NY VFXWala<br>Visual Birds<br>[[Red Chillies VFX]]<br>Famous Studios
|-
! rowspan="4" |[[Zee Cine Awards]]
| rowspan="4" |[[Zee Cine Awards|10 March 2024]]
|[[Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Male|Best Supporting Actor – Male]]
|[[Anil Kapoor]]
|{{won}}
| rowspan="4" |<ref>{{Cite news|date=2024-03-10|title=22nd Zee Cine Awards 2024: Winners|url=https://zeecineawards.com/2024-2/|work=[[Zee Cine Awards]]}}</ref>
|-
|[[Zee Cine Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role|Best Actor In A Negative Role]]
|[[Bobby Deol]]
|{{won}}
|-
|Best Screenplay
|[[Sandeep Reddy Vanga]], Pranay Reddy Vanga, Suresh Bandaru
|{{won}}
|-
|Best Editing
|Sandeep Reddy Vanga
|{{won}}
|-
! rowspan="15" |[[International Indian Film Academy Awards]]
| rowspan="15" |[[24th IIFA Awards|28 September 2024]]
|[[IIFA Award for Best Film|Best Film]]
|''Animal''
|{{won}}
| rowspan="15" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=IIFA Awards Announces {{as written|I|t's [sic]|expecting=Its}} Highly Anticipated 2024 Nominations |url=https://www.iifa.com/news/news-details/iifa--awards-announces-its-highly-anticipated-2024-nominations- |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924084239/https://www.iifa.com/news/news-details/iifa--awards-announces-its-highly-anticipated-2024-nominations- |archive-date=24 September 2024 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=IIFA |language=en}}</ref><br/><ref>{{Cite web |title=IIFA 2024: Shah Rukh Khan Wins Best Actor, Rani Mukerji Bags Best Actress Award. Check Out Full List Of Winners |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/iifa-2024-shah-rukh-khan-wins-best-actor-rani-mukerji-bags-best-actress-award-see-full-list-of-winners-6674464 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001062213/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/iifa-2024-shah-rukh-khan-wins-best-actor-rani-mukerji-bags-best-actress-award-see-full-list-of-winners-6674464 |archive-date=1 October 2024 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=ndtv.com |language=en}}</ref><br/><ref>{{Cite web |title=IIFA Unveils 2024 Technical Awards Winners: Honouring the Trailblazers of Indian Cinema! |url=https://www.iifa.com/news/news-details/iifa-unveils-2024-technical-awards-winners-honouring-the-trailblazers-of-indian-cinema |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240903141027/https://www.iifa.com/news/news-details/iifa-unveils-2024-technical-awards-winners-honouring-the-trailblazers-of-indian-cinema |archive-date=3 September 2024 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=IIFA |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|[[IIFA Award for Best Director|Best Director]]
|[[Sandeep Reddy Vanga]]
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[IIFA Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
|[[Ranbir Kapoor]]
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]]
|[[Anil Kapoor]]
|{{won}}
|-
|[[IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]]
|[[Triptii Dimri]]
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[IIFA Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role|Best Actor in a Negative Role]]
|[[Bobby Deol]]
|{{won}}
|-
|[[IIFA Award for Best Music Director|Best Music Director]]
|[[Pritam]]<br>[[Vishal Mishra (composer)|Vishal Mishra]]<br>[[Manan Bhardwaj]]<br>[[Shreyas Puranik]]<br>[[Jaani (songwriter)|Jaani]]<br>Bhupinder Babbal<br>Ashim Kemson<br>[[Harshavardhan Rameshwar]]
|{{won}}
|-
|[[IIFA Award for Best Lyricist|Best Lyricist]]
|[[Siddharth–Garima]] – "Satranga"
|{{won}}
|-
| rowspan="3" |[[IIFA Award for Best Male Playback Singer|Best Male Playback Singer]]
|[[Arijit Singh]] – "Satranga"
|{{nom}}
|-
|Bhupinder Babbal – "Arjan Vailly"
|{{won}}
|-
|[[Vishal Mishra (composer)|Vishal Mishra]] – "Pehle Bhi Main"
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[IIFA Award for Best Female Playback Singer|Best Female Playback Singer]]
|[[Shreya Ghoshal]] – "Kashmir"
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[IIFA Award for Best Editing|Best Editing]]
|[[Sandeep Reddy Vanga]]
|{{won}}
|-
|[[IIFA Award for Best Background Score|Best Background Score]]
|[[Harshavardhan Rameshwar]]
|{{won}}
|-
|Best Sound Design
|[[Sachin Sudhakaran and Hariharan Muralidharan]]
|{{won}}
|-
! rowspan="3" |[[National Film Awards]]
| rowspan="3" |[[71st National Film Awards|1 August 2025]]
|[[National Film Award – Special Mention (feature film)|Special Mention]]
|[[M. R. Rajakrishnan]]
|{{won}}
|rowspan="3"|<ref name=":1" />
|-
|[[National Film Award for Best Music Direction|Best Music Direction]]
|[[Harshavardhan Rameshwar]]
|{{won}}
|-
|[[National Film Award for Best Sound Design|Best Sound Design]]
|Sachin Sudhakaran and Hariharan Muralidharan
|{{won}}
|}

==Sequel==
=== ''Animal Park'' ===
The film’s [[post-credits scene]] alludes to a sequel titled ''Animal Park'', which was confirmed by director [[Sandeep Reddy Vanga]] in December 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-02 |title=Animal post-credits scene: Sandeep Reddy Vanga hints at a sequel with a double role for Ranbir Kapoor? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/animal-post-credits-scene-sandeep-reddy-vanga-hints-at-sequel-ranbir-kapoor-double-role-animal-park-9050937/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223115404/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/animal-post-credits-scene-sandeep-reddy-vanga-hints-at-sequel-ranbir-kapoor-double-role-animal-park-9050937/ |archive-date=2023-12-23 |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref> Shortly after the film’s release, Vanga stated that the sequel would have a darker tone than its predecessor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 December 2023 |title=Sandeep Vanga says 'Animal Park' will be 'darker, meaner' than 'Animal' |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/sandeep-vanga-says-animal-park-will-be-darker-meaner-than-animal-ranbir-kapoor-rashmika-mandanna-anil-kapoor-2472821-2023-12-06 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210235124/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/sandeep-vanga-says-animal-park-will-be-darker-meaner-than-animal-ranbir-kapoor-rashmika-mandanna-anil-kapoor-2472821-2023-12-06 |archive-date=2023-12-10 |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> Actor Ranbir Kapoor later stated that Vanga had prepared and narrated several scenes for the sequel.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 January 2024 |title=Ranbir Kapoor shares exciting update about Animal sequel: 'Sandeep Reddy Vanga has one or two scenes ready…' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-shares-exciting-update-about-animal-sequel-sandeep-reddy-vanga-has-one-or-two-scenes-ready-9131564/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128132051/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-shares-exciting-update-about-animal-sequel-sandeep-reddy-vanga-has-one-or-two-scenes-ready-9131564/ |archive-date=28 January 2024 |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref>

In April 2024, Vanga stated that principal photography for ''Animal Park'' was expected to begin in 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 April 2024 |title=Sandeep Reddy Vanga confirms Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal Park shoot to begin in 2026 |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/sandeep-reddy-vanga-confirms-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-animal-park-shoot-begin-2026-going-bigger-wilder/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420145507/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/sandeep-reddy-vanga-confirms-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-animal-park-shoot-begin-2026-going-bigger-wilder/ |archive-date=20 April 2024 |access-date=20 April 2024 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref> Actor [[Saurabh Sachdeva]], who portrayed Abid in the film, similarly indicated that filming could begin in 2026 or 2027 due to scheduling commitments of both Vanga and Kapoor for other projects, including ''Spirit'' and ''Ramayana''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sandeep Reddy Vanga to Begin 'Animal Park' Soon? Saurabh Sachdeva Says 'Ranbir Is Doing...' |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/sandeep-reddy-vanga-to-begin-animal-park-soon-saurabh-sachdeva-says-ranbir-is-doing-exclusive-8935694.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617230949/https://www.news18.com/movies/sandeep-reddy-vanga-to-begin-animal-park-soon-saurabh-sachdeva-says-ranbir-is-doing-exclusive-8935694.html |archive-date=17 June 2024 |access-date=18 June 2024 |website=[[CNN-News18]]}}</ref> Kapoor later stated that Vanga had also discussed plans for a third installment in the franchise.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-12-09 |title=Ranbir Kapoor reveals plans for 'Animal Part 3'; confirms Alia Bhatt in 'Brahmastra Part 2' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ranbir-kapoor-reveals-plans-for-animal-part-3-confirms-alia-bhatt-in-brahmastra-part-2/articleshow/116114944.cms |access-date=2024-12-12 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> In September 2025, Kapoor stated that filming for ''Animal Park'' is expected to begin in 2027.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-09-29 |title=Ranbir Kapoor confirms 'Animal Park' should start in 2027 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ranbir-kapoor-confirms-animal-park-should-start-in-2027-ramayana-actor-says-its-just-crazy/articleshow/124206574.cms |access-date=2025-09-30 |work=The Times of India}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="bollywoodhungama.com">{{Cite web |date=2023-12-01 |title=Animal Movie Review: ANIMAL is a powerful film that rests on Ranbir Kapoor's outstanding performance, clap worthy massy scenes |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/animal/critic-review/animal-movie-review/animal-is-a-powerful-film-that-rests-on-ranbir-kapoors-outstanding-performance-clap-worthy-massy-scenes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201182356/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/animal/critic-review/animal-movie-review/animal-is-a-powerful-film-that-rests-on-ranbir-kapoors-outstanding-performance-clap-worthy-massy-scenes/ |archive-date=2023-12-01 |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref>

<ref name="Verma">{{Cite web |last=Verma |first=Sukanya |date=1 December 2023 |title=Animal Review: Ruthless Ranbir Goes For The Kill |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/animal-review-you-have-to-see-this/20231201.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201205210/https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/animal-review-you-have-to-see-this/20231201.htm |archive-date=1 December 2023 |access-date=1 December 2023 |publisher=Rediff.com}}</ref>

<ref name="firstpost.com">{{Cite web |date=2023-12-01 |last=Aaglave |first=Ganesh |title=Animal movie review: Ranbir Kapoor delivers a pathbreaking performance in flawed yet riveting father-son tale |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/animal-movie-review-ranbir-kapoor-delivers-a-pathbreaking-performance-in-flawed-yet-riveting-father-son-tale-13451652.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207102910/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/animal-movie-review-ranbir-kapoor-delivers-a-pathbreaking-performance-in-flawed-yet-riveting-father-son-tale-13451652.html |archive-date=2023-12-07 |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=[[Firstpost]]}}</ref>

<ref name="theweek.in">{{Cite web |date=2023-12-01 |last=Awasthi |first=Puja |title=Animal review: Violent, but entertaining |url=https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2023/12/01/animal-review-violent-but-entertaining.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204150834/https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2023/12/01/animal-review-violent-but-entertaining.amp.html |archive-date=4 December 2023 |access-date=1 December 2023 |website=[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]]}}</ref>
}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}
* {{Bollywood Hungama movie|id=animal}}

{{Sandeep Reddy Vanga}}
{{IIFA Award for Best Movie}}
{{Portal bar|India|Film|Bollywood}}

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<!--Cinematographer of the film-->[[Category:Films set in Himachal Pradesh]]
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