Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the director known for his commercially successful yet controversial films, recently spoke his mind in two separate interviews, addressing both the industry’s alleged hostility towards him and his perspective on women empowerment in cinema.
Vanga’s films, ‘Kabir Singh’ and ‘Animal,’ have achieved massive box office success, with the latter grossing over a staggering 900 crores and ‘Kabir Singh’ exceeding 350 crores. These films also served as career-defining moments for actors Ranbir Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor, respectively. However, both projects faced significant criticism and backlash, leading Vanga to draw an analogy with animal behavior.
He stated, “It’s literally like animal behaviour, you rebel against anybody who threatens to enter your territory.” He further likened award shows to such behavior, suggesting they promote “their own friends,” highlighting the perceived lack of support for newcomers. Vanga emphasized his own experiences, claiming, “I can keep going till tomorrow if I decide to tell you what I’ve gone through in the last four years with Kabir Singh and Animal,” demonstrating the intensity of the opposition he faced.
Moving on to the topic of women empowerment in his films, Vanga offered a broader perspective than conventional portrayals. He acknowledged the power of women extending beyond traditional roles like working or leading businesses, but also highlighted the value of homemakers. He declared, “In my view, being a mother is one of the most significant roles. Mothers play a crucial part in shaping their children’s lives, whether they stay home or balance work with their maternal responsibilities. They are truly remarkable.”
This statement positions Vanga’s stance on women empowerment as inclusive, recognizing the strength and importance of women in diverse roles, both within and outside the public sphere.
Currently, Vanga is focused on his upcoming project, ‘Spirit,’ the script for which is still under development. The film is expected to begin production in the second half of 2024. Whether ‘Spirit’ will continue Vanga’s commercial success and spark similar controversies remains to be seen, but his unique perspective and outspoken nature promise to keep him firmly in the spotlight of the Indian film industry.
I hope this formal elaborated writeup captures the essence of Vanga’s interviews and presents a balanced perspective on his box office success, controversies, and views on women empowerment.
