SS Rajamouli’s Big Compliment to Sandeep Reddy Vanga
In a recent candid chat featuring Ram Gopal Varma (RGV), Nagarjuna Akkineni, and Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the conversation took an unexpected turn when RGV revealed how SS Rajamouli reacted after watching Animal.
The revelation came during promotions for the re-release of Nagarjuna’s cult classic Shiva, which is set to hit theaters again on November 14, 2025, marking its 36th anniversary.
While reminiscing about filmmaking and storytelling, RGV shared Rajamouli’s blunt yet fascinating reaction to Vanga’s film — a reaction that perfectly captured the kind of shock and admiration Animal evoked in both audiences and industry insiders alike.
“Sandeep Reddy Vanga is the Ram Gopal Varma ka Baap”
Recalling Rajamouli’s call, RGV said, “After the release of Animal, SS Rajamouli called me and said, ‘I compared Sandeep Reddy Vanga with you earlier. I take my words back, he is the Ram Gopal Varma ka baap.’”
RGV laughed as he narrated the story, adding that he wasn’t even aware Rajamouli had ever compared Sandeep to him before. But he agreed that the Animal director had certainly earned the title with his bold, no-holds-barred approach to filmmaking.
RGV continued, “Sandeep is unique in his attitude. The way he constructs characters and frames scenes shows how fearlessly he challenges cinematic norms.”
Praise and Criticism: RGV on Animal’s Bold Choices
While RGV praised Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s unapologetic style and emotional intensity, he didn’t shy away from criticizing parts of Animal. He admitted that while the film pushed boundaries, certain moments — particularly the controversial scene where Zoya (played by Triptii Dimri) is asked to lick the protagonist’s shoe — felt “inconsistent.”
RGV’s critique echoed what many filmgoers had debated — that while Animal’s raw energy and visual spectacle were compelling, its portrayal of relationships, especially between father and son, raised questions about emotional coherence.
He noted that Animal’s depiction of toxic masculinity and violent father-son dynamics may have gone overboard at times, but acknowledged that Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s courage to provoke conversation was what truly set him apart.
Animal: The Film That Redefined Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Image
Directed and co-written by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Animal starred Ranbir Kapoor as Ranvijay Singh, a man haunted by his troubled relationship with his father, Balbir Singh (played by Anil Kapoor).
After years abroad, Ranvijay returns home when an assassination attempt on his father’s life pulls him into a violent, emotional spiral. The film’s combination of stylized brutality, raw emotion, and dysfunctional family ties created an intense cinematic experience that polarized audiences.
Despite receiving mixed reviews, Animal went on to become one of the biggest box-office blockbusters of 2023, proving that Vanga’s fearless storytelling resonated deeply with the masses.
The ensemble cast — including Rashmika Mandanna, Bobby Deol, and Triptii Dimri — helped amplify the film’s emotional core. Bobby Deol, in particular, was widely praised for his chilling portrayal of the antagonist.
Rajamouli’s Reaction Reflects Industry Admiration
That SS Rajamouli — one of India’s most celebrated filmmakers, known for mega-blockbusters like Baahubali and RRR — would compare Vanga to RGV, and then call him his “baap,” speaks volumes about how Animal shook up the creative landscape.
The comment, while humorous, also symbolized the passing of the torch between generations of directors who dare to break rules.
RGV’s early films, like Shiva and Satya, revolutionized Indian cinema with their gritty realism and fearless storytelling. Similarly, Vanga’s films (Arjun Reddy, Kabir Singh, Animal) have redefined the modern cinematic language of aggression, love, and obsession.
In essence, Rajamouli’s quip acknowledges Vanga’s arrival as a filmmaker who wields shock value as skillfully as storytelling.
The Road Ahead: Animal Park and Vanga’s Next Chapter
After Animal’s roaring success, fans are eagerly waiting for its sequel, Animal Park. The post-credits scene of Animal teased the next chapter, hinting at an even darker, more complex continuation of Ranvijay’s story.
While plot details are still under wraps, Vanga has hinted that Animal Park will delve deeper into Ranvijay’s psyche and family legacy — possibly exploring the generational effects of violence and ambition.
Given how Animal divided critics but dominated theaters, the sequel is already one of the most anticipated projects in Bollywood.
Rajamouli’s Own Next Big Project
Meanwhile, SS Rajamouli himself is gearing up for another cinematic spectacle. His next film, tentatively titled SSMB29, stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran in leading roles.
Described as a global jungle adventure, the film is expected to blend myth, exploration, and action in Rajamouli’s signature larger-than-life style. The grand title reveal event is set for November 15, 2025, and the project is already creating huge buzz across the industry.
Shiva Returns to the Big Screen
The conversation between RGV, Nagarjuna, and Sandeep Reddy Vanga also marked a nostalgic moment for Indian cinema fans. Nagarjuna’s Shiva, directed by RGV in 1989, is set to re-release on November 14, 2025, in 4K format.
The film is widely regarded as one of the most influential works in Telugu and Hindi cinema — not just for its story but for introducing a new style of realism, camera work, and background score that changed how action films were made in India.
The reunion between Nagarjuna and RGV, with Sandeep Reddy Vanga joining the conversation, symbolized a generational bridge — from RGV’s gritty realism to Vanga’s visceral intensity.
Conclusion
When SS Rajamouli — India’s most visionary director — calls Sandeep Reddy Vanga “Ram Gopal Varma ka baap,” it’s more than a joke. It’s a statement about cinematic evolution.
It reflects how filmmakers like Vanga are redefining storytelling for a new era, just as RGV did decades ago. Whether you love or hate Animal, there’s no denying its impact — and Rajamouli’s reaction only reinforces that Vanga has become a creative force impossible to ignore.
As RGV summed it up, Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s confidence and audacity may divide opinions, but they’ve brought back the kind of raw, fearless filmmaking that once made Indian cinema legendary.
