Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan Director Siddharth Anand Calls Animal Film Of The Year, SRK Fans Ask 'Sarcasm?'

Siddharth Anand’s Pathaan was a landmark film for Bollywood, marking the big return of Shah Rukh Khan after a five-year hiatus and reviving Hindi cinema’s box office success. Many hailed it as one of the most significant films of 2023. However, Siddharth believes another film, Animal, is equally deserving of that recognition.

On Monday, the filmmaker took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, “For me, the film of the year & the Director of the year? ANIMAL.”

Animal, featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Bobby Deol, released in December 2023. While it received mixed reviews, the film was a box office success, grossing over Rs 900 crore. Siddharth Anand’s praise for Animal came shortly after it won Best Film at the 2024 IIFA Awards. Although director Sandeep Reddy Vanga missed out on the Best Director award, he may still have a chance to be recognized during the upcoming awards season.

Siddharth Anand’s backing of Animal has raised quite a few eyebrows, especially since the film sparked plenty of debate. While it earned praise for the cast’s stellar performances, critics called out its glorification of violence and its treatment of women. Ranbir Kapoor and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga have been passionately defending the film, but what’s really got people talking is how Shah Rukh Khan’s fans are not impressed with Siddharth choosing Animal over Pathaan or Jawan. With Animal being so controversial, his choice has come as a shock to many.

One user wrote, “JAWAN easily. If we even remove the controversial part of Animal..it was just a boring mess. “Respect ur view BUT For Me JAWAN.. Everyone have choices. JAWAN is much greater than Animal Movie,” read another comment.

Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan, released in January 2023, was a huge box office hit. It marked Khan’s return after five years and quickly became one of Bollywood’s highest-grossing films, earning over Rs 1,055 crore worldwide. With Rs 543 crore net in India and Rs 397 crore from overseas, it was the first Bollywood film to cross Rs 1000 crore globally without a release in China. The film’s action and Khan’s performance thrilled fans, solidifying his position as Bollywood’s superstar​.