Rajya Sabha MP Ranjeet Ranjan Slams 'Animal' As A 'Disease to Society'

During a recent session of the Rajya Sabha, Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan raised significant concerns about the Bollywood film Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor. Ranjan accused the movie of promoting violence and misogyny, emphasizing its potential negative impact on society, especially the youth. Released on December 1, this film has not only shattered box office records but has also stirred a maelstrom of discussions, particularly in the corridors of power. The movie, helmed by Sandeep Vanga Reddy, has become a focal point of debate in the hallowed halls of the Rajya Sabha, where concerns about its portrayal of violence and misogyny have been raised.

The Allegations

During the Zero Hour session, Ranjeet Ranjan articulated her concerns, revealing a personal anecdote involving her daughter and college friends who, distressed by the depicted violence and misogyny, walked out of the screening halfway. Ranjan expressed worry about the impact of such films on youth, emphasising the societal consequences of on-screen narratives.

"My daughter and a bunch of other children were watching the film. They cried and left the theatre at half-time. The film's justification of violence and misogyny is shameful," the Congress MP expressed, echoing a sentiment shared by concerned parents and activists.

Cinematic Impact on Society

The MP drew attention to a perceived trend in contemporary cinema, exemplified by films like Kabir, Pushpa, and now Animal, which she contends portray excessive violence and exhibit disrespect towards women.  

"Nowadays, some movies are being made that depict a lot of violence...Look at the way women are treated in the film Kabir. In this movie (Animal) too, the wife is treated the same way. It is justifying it. It is a matter of concern," she said.

The MP's assertion that Animal justifies the mistreatment of women, echoing the disturbing portrayal in Kabir, is a matter of grave concern. Cinematic depictions that normalize violence against women can potentially contribute to a desensitised societal mindset. 

Ranjan's assertion that these cinematic narratives contribute to a concerning shift in societal values, especially among the younger generation, raises pertinent questions about the responsibility of filmmakers and the role of regulatory bodies. 

Questioning Censorship

A pivotal moment in Ranjan's critique was her pointed question regarding the role of the Censor Board. She questioned the rationale behind clearing films like Animal, categorising them as a "disease to society" without any redeeming qualities.  The glorification of anti-heroes and negative characters can inadvertently shape societal perceptions, contributing to a disconcerting rise in real-world violence.  Her interrogation raises concerns about the effectiveness of the current censorship mechanisms and their ability to safeguard societal values.

The Arjan Vaili Controversy

Delving further into specifics, Ranjan highlighted the song Arjan Vaili in Animal as a contentious point. She argued that it is inappropriate to use the historical figure Arjan Vaili, son of the legendary military commander Hari Singh Nalwa, as a background song in a film depicting gang warfare. This choice, according to Ranjan, dilutes the historical significance of Vaili and raises questions about the artistic liberties taken by filmmakers.

She further said, "There is violence in society that mimics the violence shown in these films. Making a specific point about a song in the film titled Arjan Vailly, the Congress MP said Arjan Vailly is a significant character in Sikh history. The son of military commander Hari Singh Nalwa, Vailly is said to have fought battles against the British and saved people during the 1947 Partition riots."

Cinema has been a mirror reflecting societal ethos, and Ranjan's argument that negative portrayals in cinema can potentially shape real-world behaviour is a weighty one.