Name- Deepshika Singh
Roll No- 234UHB013
Subject- Peace Psychology
Course Code- PM 211
Submitted to- Dr. Anu Malik
Overview:
Animal (2023), directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, is a dark and intense Bollywood thriller
starring Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor, and Bobby Deol. This highly
anticipated film blends family drama with action, focusing on complex father-son dynamics,
betrayal, and themes of revenge. Ranbir Kapoor plays a violent character haunted by trauma
and shaped by his tumultuous relationship with his father, played by Anil Kapoor. The plot
takes viewers on a visceral journey, portraying Kapoor's transformation into a "beast" in his
struggle for familial loyalty and power.
The film is filled with stylized violence and action sequences that push traditional Bollywood
boundaries, garnering mixed reviews for its intense brutality and strong performances.
Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal has been widely praised, and the soundtrack, featuring music by
Harshavardhan Rameshwar and Pritam, complements the film’s gritty atmosphere. Visuals,
high-intensity scenes, and a powerful background score contribute to the film's cinematic
impact, while the costume and et design add a lavish feel to the intense storyline.
Characters Played by Actors:
1. Ranbir Kapoor as Arjun Singh – The central character, Arjun is a volatile, intense man
driven by a complex relationship with his father and his desire for revenge. Ranbir's
portrayal highlights Arjun's darker, violent side, showing both his vulnerabilities and
his hardened persona.
2. Anil Kapoor as Balbir Singh – Arjun’s father, Balbir is a powerful and ruthless figure
whose relationship with his son is fraught with tension. Anil Kapoor delivers a
commanding performance, embodying a complicated father who shapes much of
Arjun's turmoil and aggression.
3. Rashmika Mandanna as Geetanjali – Arjun's love interest, Geetanjali plays a crucial
role in the story. Rashmika’s character provides emotional depth, contrasting with
the violence and tension surrounding Arjun's life.
4. Bobby Deol as Abrar – The antagonist, Abrar is a formidable presence in Arjun's life.
Bobby Deol’s role as the villain adds an additional layer of conflict and danger, setting
up an intense rivalry.
5. Triptii Dimri as Zoya – Zoya is another key character who brings complexity to the
storyline, adding to the intricate web of relationships and tensions within the film.
Concepts Used In the Movie From Psychology:
Animal incorporates several psychological concepts that drive its intense and complex
character dynamics, especially those related to familial relationships and trauma. Here are
some of the primary psychological themes depicted:
1. Oedipal Complex: The strained father-son relationship between Arjun (Ranbir
Kapoor) and his father, Balbir (Anil Kapoor), hints at elements of the Oedipal
complex. Arjun’s actions are influenced by his complicated feelings toward his father,
where admiration and resentment coexist, creating a deep-seated psychological
conflict. This concept, developed by Freud, explores how unresolved feelings for
parental figures can impact adult behaviors and choices.
2. Attachment Theory: Arjun’s aggression and inner turmoil can be linked to
attachment theory, which explains how early relationships with caregivers shape
one’s emotional responses. His relationship with his father impacts his self-
perception, trust, and how he interacts with others. Attachment theory suggests that
disruptions in early relationships lead to insecurity and aggression, which Arjun
demonstrates throughout the film.
3. Masculine Identity and Toxic Masculinity: The film examines the pressure on Arjun
to conform to traditional masculine ideals, which are often depicted as violent,
dominant, and aggressive. These societal expectations contribute to his destructive
behaviors and relationship conflicts, showcasing how toxic masculinity can lead to
harmful actions and emotional suppression.
4. Trauma and PTSD: Arjun’s violent tendencies can be seen as symptoms of unresolved
trauma, possibly linked to his upbringing and his complex father-son relationship.
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often include anger, aggression,
and impulsive behaviors, all of which are seen in Arjun's character as he tries to cope
with his past.
Analysis of movie (Relating and Explaining the Learnt Concepts of
course with movie) :
1. Exploration of Family and Power Dynamics
Animal centers on the strained and complex relationship between Arjun Singh (played by
Ranbir Kapoor) and his father, Balbir Singh (Anil Kapoor). Arjun’s quest for his father’s
approval drives much of the storyline, creating a toxic father-son dynamic that reflects
struggles for power, loyalty, and recognition. This dynamic amplifies as Balbir’s dominance in
their relationship leaves Arjun both craving his father’s respect and rebelling against his
expectations. This theme echoes real-life family conflicts, where the pursuit of parental
approval can lead to extreme choices and internal conflicts
2. Themes of Masculinity and Toxic Behavior
The film critiques traditional notions of masculinity, depicting how the pressure on men to
conform to ideals of strength, dominance, and aggression often leads to destructive
behavior. Arjun’s character embodies the traits of toxic masculinity, as he associates violence
and control with strength, shaped by his father's expectations. His character explores the
consequences of this pressure, demonstrating how it isolates him from meaningful
relationships and leads to moral conflicts. This theme serves as a critique of societal norms
that equate masculinity with aggression, suggesting that such expectations contribute to
cycles of violence and emotional suppression
3. Trauma and Revenge
The narrative delves into the psychology of trauma and revenge, showing how unaddressed
psychological pain can spiral into violence. Arjun’s violent outbursts and need for vengeance
appear as responses to the trauma stemming from his childhood and his relationship with
his father. This portrayal aligns with psychological theories on how unresolved trauma and
emotional neglect lead individuals to adopt extreme behaviors as coping mechanisms.
Arjun’s character arc also demonstrates how moral disengagement — the justification of
immoral actions for personal goals — can take hold in someone driven by anger and
unhealed wounds
4. Critical Reception and Cultural Impact
Animal received praise for its ambitious storyline and strong performances, particularly by
Ranbir Kapoor, who took on a role unlike his previous characters. Critics noted that while the
film’s portrayal of violence and dark themes could be unsettling, it successfully raised
questions about masculinity, family loyalty, and the consequences of unchecked aggression.
The film’s narrative resonates with broader societal issues, especially within cultures where
family honor and masculine ideals are highly valued. This cultural relevance makes Animal a
thought-provoking entry in contemporary Bollywood cinema, pushing audiences to reflect
on how societal and familial pressures shape individual behavior
How to resolve this situation, If it happens in the Real World/Life ?
1. Open and Constructive Communication
Family members should work to foster open dialogue where each person can express their
feelings and perspectives without judgment. Honest communication is essential to
understanding underlying issues and mitigating resentments. To achieve this, family
members might consider family counseling sessions where a neutral third party can help
facilitate productive discussions.
2. Setting Healthy Boundaries
Boundaries help maintain individual autonomy while preventing unhealthy dependencies or
power struggles. For instance, if a father and son have a tense relationship, both could
benefit from establishing clear boundaries around expectations and time spent together.
This can help reduce conflicts arising from unresolved issues.
3. Therapy and Emotional Healing
Addressing trauma and negative behavioral patterns requires self-reflection and often the
support of a therapist. Individual therapy can help someone process past traumas and build
healthier coping mechanisms. In the context of a family, family therapy or group sessions can
reveal and address shared patterns that may perpetuate conflict.
[Link] Resolution Skills
Conflict resolution training can equip individuals with tools to navigate disagreements
constructively, focusing on empathy, active listening, and compromise. Skills like non-violent
communication (NVC) and assertiveness training are valuable in learning to handle conflicts
without resorting to aggression.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Animal (2023) is a compelling examination of complex family dynamics,
masculinity, and the psychological effects of unresolved trauma. The film brings attention to
how toxic relationships, societal expectations, and repressed emotions can lead to
destructive choices. Ranbir Kapoor’s intense portrayal of Arjun Singh reveals how personal
turmoil and external pressures often result in tragic outcomes when left unaddressed.
Through Arjun’s journey, the film highlights the dangers of revenge, the importance of
healthy family relationships, and the consequences of internalizing toxic ideas about
strength and masculinity.
References:
Watched Animal on Netflix.
Academic Articles and Journals: analyzing Animal in the context of Indian cinema, social
dynamics, and crime portrayal.
Animal (2023) movie reviews - Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, The Hindu, and Times of India for
critiques and audience feedback.
