Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for Animal, has stirred controversy with his remarks on filmmaking being tougher than clearing the IAS exam. His comments came in response to IAS officer Vikas Divyakirti’s criticism of Animal, in which Divyakirti argued that the film pushes society backward rather than adding value.
During his conversation on Komal Nahta’s podcast, Vanga expressed frustration over the way his film was criticized, saying it made him feel as if he had committed a crime. He stated that while one can enroll in a coaching institute and dedicate a few years to clearing the IAS exam, there is no structured course or teacher that can guarantee someone becoming a filmmaker or writer. According to Vanga, the skills required for filmmaking cannot be taught in a traditional academic setting, making it a more complex and uncertain career path.
This statement, however, did not sit well with many on social media. One user on X (formerly Twitter) bluntly commented, “He literally needs to shut up at this point. Every time he opens his mouth he validates every single negative opinion people have had of the movie and its messaging.” Another user criticized him, stating, “When will he stop whining like a child man, just end this!”
Many netizens also challenged his comparison between filmmaking and the civil services exam, arguing that the IAS selection process is one of the most competitive and rigorous in the country. A user pointed out, “Any Tom, Dick, and Harry can become a ‘filmmaker’ but not an IAS officer. Duh, even a top 100 rank amongst more than a million people isn’t enough to become an IAS.”
Divyakirti’s initial critique of Animal had sparked widespread discussion. He had earlier commented that the film glorifies violent masculinity and lacks any social value, questioning whether filmmakers should only focus on financial success. While some supported his viewpoint, others felt he was being too harsh in his judgment.
Animal remains one of the biggest box office successes of 2023, featuring an ensemble cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, and Triptii Dimri. Vanga, meanwhile, is currently working on his next Telugu action-romantic film, AA23.
