In the making of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film “Animal,” Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna were brought together for the first time. However, it was revealed that Parineeti Chopra was initially the director’s first choice for the film. Sandeep Reddy Vanga shared this information during a conversation with Komal Nahta, explaining that he signed Parineeti one and a half years before the shoot but later realized that he didn’t see the character of Geetanjali in her.
Sandeep admitted his mistake, saying, “Actually, galti mera hi hai. I said, ‘Ho sake toh maaf karo mujhe (It’s my fault. I told her to forgive me).’ I signed her (Parineeti Chopra) one and a half years before the shoot and for some reason, I didn’t see Geetanjali in her. Kuch kuch characters kuch kuch logo ko set nahi hota hai (Some things are not meant to be).”
Despite feeling bad about the decision, Parineeti understood Sandeep’s perspective. Sandeep mentioned, “Main Kabhi audition main believe nahi karta (I don’t believe in auditions). I go with my instinct only. That I know. From day one I have liked her acting and I always wanted to cast her as Preeti also in Kabir Singh but hua nahi uss time (it did not work out). That’s long due. I always wanted to work with her. I told her and she also knows that. I told her, ‘Sorry, nothing is bigger than the film. So I’m taking this decision and going ahead with another artist.’ She felt bad but she understood why I was saying that,” added the director.
Turning to the film itself, “Animal” features Ranbir Kapoor as Ranvijay, with Rashmika Mandanna portraying Geetanjali, his girlfriend and eventual wife. Anil Kapoor plays Ranbir’s father, and Triptii Dimri takes on the role of his extramarital affair. Bobby Deol plays the prime antagonist seeking to bring Ranvijay down after the death of his brother.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics and a portion of the audience for its alleged glorification of violence and misogyny, “Animal” has become one of the most commercially successful films of 2023. Released on December 1, the film recently crossed the ₹500 crore mark at the Indian box office. Sandeep Reddy Vanga has confirmed a sequel titled “Animal Park,” with reports suggesting that Ranbir Kapoor will have a double role in the next instalment.