Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao has recently been in the spotlight for his performance in the much-anticipated film Stree 2. From the storyline to the dialogues, songs, and characters, Stree 2 has been receiving widespread acclaim, making waves at the box office as well. Amid the promotional events for this movie, Rao shared his thoughts on Shahrukh Khan’s iconic film Devdas and Ranbir Kapoor’s upcoming film Animal.
Rajkummar Rao’s Views on Glorifying Negative Characters
In a candid conversation on Raj Shamani’s podcast, Rajkummar Rao addressed the ongoing debate about the glorification of negative characters in Bollywood films. When asked about the influence such characters might have on the audience, Rao didn’t hold back. He discussed how films like Devdas and Animal are often misunderstood by viewers.
The Reality Behind ‘Devdas’
Speaking about Shahrukh Khan’s Devdas, Rao remarked, “If you want to become Devdas after watching the film, then the problem lies with you, not the film.” He emphasized that the movie is based on a literary work that tells the tragic story of a character named Devdas. “The film shows you the downfall of a person like Devdas. It’s not encouraging anyone to follow in his footsteps,” Rao said. He added that Devdas ultimately dies in the film, highlighting the message that such a lifestyle leads to ruin.
Rao further explained that Devdas is not about glorifying a lavish lifestyle. Instead, it portrays the consequences of poor choices. “Devdas ends up living on the streets, with no family and a deteriorating condition. The film is a cautionary tale, not a guidebook,” he stated.
Rajkummar Rao on ‘Animal’
Shifting focus to Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal, Rao shared his thoughts on the film, which has generated buzz ahead of its release. “I really liked Animal. The experience of watching it was good, and I enjoyed it a lot,” Rao said. However, he acknowledged that there were certain aspects of the film that could have been better. “Were there some issues with the film? Maybe, some scenes felt out of place. But did it affect my overall enjoyment? Not at all. Ranbir Kapoor’s performance was outstanding, and I loved his portrayal in the film,” he added.
Addressing the Criticism of Animal
Rajkummar Rao also addressed the negative response that Animal has received from some quarters. He mentioned that a well-known critic had commented on the film’s title, pointing out that the characters behave in line with the title Animal, rather than as ideal men. Rao defended the filmmakers by saying that they had been clear about their intentions from the start. “The title itself suggests what the audience is going to see – an animal, not an ideal man,” Rao noted.
In his discussion, Rao highlighted that the film’s creators never intended to depict a flawless hero. Instead, they focused on portraying raw, intense emotions and flawed characters. “The film was always about exploring the darker sides of human nature, and the title Animal reflects that,” Rao explained.
The Larger Debate
Rajkummar Rao’s comments bring to light a larger debate about the impact of cinema on society. While films are a form of artistic expression, they are often scrutinized for their potential influence on audiences. Rao’s perspective suggests that viewers need to approach films with a critical mind and understand the distinction between fiction and reality.
He underscores the idea that movies are stories meant to entertain and provoke thought, not necessarily to serve as moral guides. Rao’s defense of Devdas and Animal challenges the audience to look beyond the surface and grasp the deeper messages that these films convey.
