Animal Movie Receives Criticism for Misogynistic Content; Artists Defend Their Work
Animal, the latest movie to hit the screens, is facing backlash for its misogynistic portrayal, according to recent reviews. While some viewers found the film entertaining, others have raised concerns over its excessive violence and regressive treatment of women. As the debate rages on, the movie’s actors and director have stepped forward to defend their controversial content. In a recent interview, Saloni Batra, who plays the sister of lead actor Ranbir Kapoor, expressed her support for the film while acknowledging its problematic aspects.
Batra openly criticized the toxic behavior displayed by Kapoor’s character in Animal, stating that she, as a woman, would be offended if subjected to such treatment in real life. However, she also emphasized the responsibility of the audience to discern between entertainment and real-life behavior. It is your responsibility as an audience that you don’t take it home, she asserted. You don’t have to learn from it. You don’t have to take it back home and tell people that it’s ok to say such things to women…
The question at hand is how society differentiates between entertainment and activism in movies. Bollywood, for example, often produces films that challenge the very misogyny depicted in Animal. In this context, audiences find themselves compelled to determine what lessons to embrace or overlook.
Artists have a direct connection to society, and their creations influence people’s thoughts and attitudes. It is imperative, therefore, that artists wield their influence responsibly to shape society in a positive way. While outright activism may not always be necessary, it is crucial to question and challenge societal wrongs.
If an artist aims to portray reality in its raw form, they must explore ways to question the wrongs manifested within it. Whether through direct inquiries, suggested alternatives, or subtle commentary on the negative impacts, writers should shed light on societal evils rather than exploit them for entertainment purposes. These issues deserve scrutiny, not trivialization. Unfortunately, our society often attempts to sweep such concerns under the rug, normalizing sexism through jokes about husband-wife relationships. Similarly, using misogyny solely for entertainment perpetuates misconceptions ingrained in the minds of the audience.
For the journalism community, it is an opportunity to delve into the complex relationship between art, societal norms, and the responsibility of all stakeholders involved. As consumers of media, the audience plays a crucial role in discerning and advocating for content that promotes positive values and challenges harmful ideologies. Conversations surrounding Animal and movies of its nature provide an opportunity to bridge the gap between entertainment and social consciousness.
In conclusion, Animal’s controversial portrayal of misogyny has sparked a debate within the film industry and amongst viewers. While some defend the movie as a work of entertainment, others argue that artists bear a responsibility to question societal wrongs. The audience, too, must actively engage with the content they consume, critically assessing its impact both in the theater and beyond. As the discussion unfolds, it is evident that artists have a unique opportunity to shape society, and it is essential that they wield their influence responsibly.
