Kareena Kapoor On ‘Animal’ Influence: ‘We Are A Herd Mentality’ Behind Violent Film Trend

Kareena Kapoor Khan has criticised Bollywood’s tendency to blindly follow box-office trends, saying the industry’s “herd mentality” needs to change as audiences become more selective about the films they choose to watch.

In an interview with Yuvaa, Kareena spoke about the industry’s reaction to successful films and explained how one major hit can trigger a rush to replicate its formula. Citing Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal, she said filmmakers should not assume that a particular genre will automatically attract audiences simply because it has recently worked at the box office.

Kareena Kapoor On Bollywood’s ‘Herd Mentality’

Kareena said today’s audiences are much more aware of what they want to watch and can distinguish between films that genuinely interest them and those that simply follow a trend. “Our audience is smarter than we think. They know exactly when it’s a good film and they want to watch it,” she said.

The actress pointed to the industry’s quick response to successful films as an example of its tendency to follow trends.

“So today it is not just about a young love story. All these things are very dated, ki abhi violence chal rahi hai ki abhi Animal chal gayi toh chalo sab violence kar lete hain. We are herd mentality, what to say?” she said.

Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Animal starred Ranbir Kapoor as Ranvijay Vijay Singh and Anil Kapoor as his emotionally distant father. The 2023 film became a major box-office success, collecting more than Rs 900 crore worldwide.

Despite its commercial performance, Animal sparked considerable debate over its portrayal of violence and other themes. A sequel, Animal Park, is currently in development.

Kareena Says Audiences Are Becoming More Selective

Kareena also highlighted filmmakers who continue to pursue distinctive stories instead of simply reproducing whatever formula is currently popular.  “There are filmmakers who want to make something different, who provoke your thoughts and who have their own fan following. I feel like things are changing now,” she said.

According to Kareena, moviegoers are increasingly making decisions based on the content itself rather than relying solely on genre or star power. “The audience will now watch the trailer and say that we want to watch this film,” she added.

The actress believes younger viewers are particularly willing to question what filmmakers offer them. She argued that simply promoting a film as a comedy, romance or another popular genre is no longer enough to guarantee a theatrical audience.

“The young audience will ask the thought-provoking questions. Now filmmakers cannot go and make a film saying it’s a comedy so people will definitely watch it!” Kareena said.

She also pointed out that not every release can be expected to cross Rs 200 crore or Rs 500 crore at the box office.

“Not every film is going to make Rs 200 crore or Rs 500 crore. I feel like we are changing it and the audience is helping us,” she added.

Kareena Kapoor’s Next Release

Kareena will next be seen in Daayra, an investigative drama directed by Meghna Gulzar. The film also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran in a key role.

The project will see Kareena take on another theatrical outing in a different genre.

Daayra is scheduled to release in cinemas on September 18.