"This is the darkest film I have done"
Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal is expected to be Bollywood’s biggest US release.
The film, which also stars Rashmika Mandanna, is touted to be one of Bollywood’s biggest films of 2023.
Animal has received over 888 screens in North America.
In comparison, Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan was released on 850 screens in the United States while Brahmastra had 810 screenings.
It will be Ranbir’s biggest-ever release in the international markets.
With its release being on such a wide scale in the US, Animal also becomes the first Hindi film to get such a wide release.
The film has also received attention in the US as the teaser was screened at New York’s iconic Times Square.
Ranbir Kapoor had previously spoken about his character and said it is one of his darkest roles. He explained:
“Working with Sandeep has been such an enriching experience for me as an actor because he is so original.
“There is nothing referenced in his films. Everything I was doing in Animal as that character was so new.
“This is the darkest film I have done, because I am not playing any psycho killer in it. It is just the character, his mind and the way he operates. His psyche is very dark.”
Animal revolves around a troubled father-son bond against the backdrop of extreme bloodshed in the underworld which causes the son to become a vicious psychopath.
Bobby Deol is set to have an antagonist role and his first look showed him appearing to ask someone to stay silent.
Dressed in a formal blue suit, his face is covered in blood.
Bobby’s menacing look had fans excited, with one commenting:
“Bobby is the only superstar in Animal.”
Another added: “Animal movie is looking so dangerous. Can’t wait to see Bobby with Ranbir!”
A third fan wrote: “Lord Bobby in negative avatar (fire emojis). Damn excited for junior Deol.”
Speaking about the upcoming film, Ranbir Kapoor told PTI:
“It’s a new territory for me. It’s a crime drama and a father-son story.
“It’s something audiences don’t expect me to do. It has got shades of grey.
“He is very alpha, again something I’m not. So, I’m looking forward to it.
“It is completely out of my comfort zone. As an actor, such challenges are important as it really shook me up.
“It made me work hard, and realise how inadequate I’m and how much I needed to work to reach a certain level.”
Animal is set to release on December 1, 2023.