Sandeep Reddy Vanga has solidified his reputation as one of Indian cinema’s most polarizing filmmakers.
With just three directorial ventures—Arjun Reddy (2017), its Bollywood remake Kabir Singh (2019), and Animal (2023)—Vanga has sparked intense debates on the portrayal of violence, masculinity, and gender dynamics in films.
While his raw storytelling has earned him a massive fan base, his films have also been criticized for normalizing aggression. This has led many to wonder whether his cinematic style reflects his own personality.
Addressing these speculations, Vanga recently clarified that he is not violent in real life. However, he added a thought-provoking statement that hinted at an alternative reality under different social conditions.
In a candid conversation with Komal Nahta on Game Changers, Vanga was asked whether he shares the violent tendencies of his protagonists.
His response raised eyebrows: "I cannot do that in a democracy. Otherwise (if not for democracy), obviously. Because the person opposite us would also do the same. If it were the Stone Age, he would do something, and you would react accordingly, right?"
Interestingly, Vanga also voiced support for film censorship, an unusual stance for a director known for pushing creative boundaries.
He believes censorship should be overseen by retired filmmakers who understand storytelling, rather than bureaucratic officials who may lack artistic perspective.
While acknowledging the need for content regulation, he advocated for a certification-based approach rather than arbitrary content cuts.
"Hollywood has censorship too. What you can do, however, is categorize films appropriately, such as R-rated, instead of refusing certificates or chopping a film," Vanga explained.
So far, all three of his films have faced criticism for depicting volatile, aggressive male leads who assert dominance emotionally and physically. However, this has not deterred audiences, as his movies have achieved massive commercial success, reinforcing his unapologetic creative vision.
Vanga is currently working on Spirit with Prabhas, followed by a sequel to Animal starring Ranbir Kapoor. Both projects are expected to push boundaries even further, potentially surpassing the impact of his previous films.