Bollywood filmmaker Siddharth Anand—renowned for his direction of Pathaan—proclaimed Animal as the “Film of the Year” in a recent social media post. This declaration ignited considerable debate among fans. Although Pathaan is widely regarded as a significant milestone in 2023, largely because it marked Shah Rukh Khan's triumphant return after a five-year hiatus, Anand contends that Animal merits the title instead. On Monday, the filmmaker utilized X (formerly Twitter) to convey his admiration, stating that, "For me, the film of the year & the Director of the year? ANIMAL."

Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga features a notable cast, including Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna and Bobby Deol. Released in December 2023, this film garnered mixed reviews; however, it became a box-office triumph, grossing over 900 crore globally. It recently secured the Best Film Award at the IIFA Awards 2024, although Vanga did not clinch the Best Director title. With the awards season commencing, Vanga may still encounter additional avenues for acknowledgment—this is particularly intriguing.

Anand's endorsement surprised many—especially fans of Shah Rukh Khan—because Pathaan and Jawan were both monumental successes for Bollywood in 2023. However, many fans expressed disappointment, believing that Anand should have chosen Pathaan. On the other hand, took issue with Animal, some criticized for its troubling portrayal of violence and misogyny. Although the film has faced controversies, Ranbir Kapoor and Vanga have staunchly defended their vision, citing its artistic merits.

Ranbir Kapoor's fan base expressed their admiration for Anand's "honesty" and supported his endorsement of Animal. Others, however, entered the conversation, contributing their personal selections for film of the year; these included the sleeper hit 12th Fail and the Tamil blockbuster Maharaja. Although opinions varied widely, this dialogue highlighted the diverse tastes within the film community.