Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor has candidly admitted that much of his career was defined by romantic and coming-of-age roles, a perception he has now shattered with his action-packed film Animal.

Since his debut in Saawariya (2007), Ranbir earned widespread acclaim for films like Barfi, Tamasha, Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahaani, and Sanju, where audiences consistently associated him with soft, charming, emotionally driven characters.

However, his recent collaboration with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga radically altered this trajectory. Speaking at an audience interaction in Japan ahead of Animal’s Japanese release on February 13, 2026, Ranbir revealed how the project challenged him as an actor.

Stepping Into Uncharted Territory

Reflecting on his decision to take the role of Rannvijay Vijay Singh, Ranbir said:

“I must credit Sandeep for seeing me in a character like this. I was always playing the lover boy, coming-of-age characters. But when I heard Animal, Sandeep narrated it to me, and I found the character extremely scary for an actor like me. His confidence in me instilled confidence in myself.”

He described Rannvijay as volatile, deeply emotional, and fiercely protective of his family, a role that required embracing both raw violence and intense emotional depth. Ranbir added that this emotional core allowed the film to resonate with audiences worldwide.

“Whenever Animal was released all over the world, people really connected with the family story. That is what really excited me as an actor,” he said.

Animal: From Trauma to Revenge

In Animal, Ranbir plays a man scarred by childhood trauma and a cold, distant relationship with his father, portrayed by Anil Kapoor. The story escalates into extreme violence after an assassination attempt on his father triggers Rannvijay’s merciless quest for revenge.

The film also features Bobby Deol as the antagonist, with Rashmika Mandanna and Triptii Dimri in pivotal roles. With massive box office success, Animal crossed the ₹900 crore mark worldwide, cementing itself as one of Indian cinema’s highest-grossing films.

A New Era for Ranbir Kapoor

The cultural impact of Rannvijay Vijay Singh is already evident, and a sequel titled Animal Park is reportedly in development. This move signals that Ranbir’s era of safe, romantic roles may be permanently behind him, ushering in a more versatile, action-driven phase in his career.

From lover boy to action hero, Ranbir Kapoor is proving that taking risks can redefine an actor’s legacy in Bollywood.