Bollywood Icon Prem Chopra Applauds Ranbir Kapoor's Stellar Performance in 'Animal'
In the annals of Bollywood, where cinematic legends etch their names into the industry's history, Prem Chopra stands as a venerable figure, having left an indelible mark through his portrayal of antagonistic roles. The seasoned actor, now 88 years old, has recently made a guest appearance in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's film "Animal," starring Ranbir Kapoor. In a candid interview , Chopra shared his reflections on the transformation of negative characters in Hindi cinema, drawing from his illustrious career that spans over six decades.
Chopra commenced by reminiscing about the bygone era of the 1970s and 1980s, a period that witnessed the emergence of his distinctive depiction of antagonistic roles. He highlighted the lack of complexity in negative characters during that time, citing the 1973 film "Bobby," directed by Raj Kapoor, where antagonists were not inherently portrayed as evil. It was an era where actors like Prem Chopra, Amrish Puri, and Pran found themselves often typecast in villainous roles.
Prem Chopra On #RanbirKapoor:“Ranbir is a very hardworking actor and in #Animal, he is tremendous. He has done a great job, with the difficult and complicated role.” pic.twitter.com/RKojITR7bz
— MAGICAL RANBIR. (@MagicalRanbir) December 10, 2023
The veteran actor underscored the pivotal role of negative characters in adding depth and intrigue to a storyline. He remarked on the evolution of antagonists in modern cinema, where these characters are crafted with underlying reasons for their negative actions. Reflecting on his iconic dialogue, "Prem naam hai mera, Prem Chopra," from the film "Bobby," Chopra emphasized the impact a single line can have in attaining iconic status. According to him, historically, negative characters played crucial roles in narratives, and in contemporary times, each antagonist is intricately developed with a specific motive for turning into a villain.
In relation to his recent appearance in "Animal," Chopra lauded Ranbir Kapoor's performance and delved into the complexity of his character in the movie. Portraying the role of Ranbir Kapoor's grandfather, he disclosed that the character's negative traits were rooted in the tragic event of his father's death, compelling him to seek revenge. This nuanced portrayal illustrates the shift towards multifaceted negative characters with layers that the audience can empathize with.
Prem Chopra concluded the interview by expressing that today's audiences appreciate performances without strictly categorizing characters as positive or negative. He applauded the evolving tastes of the viewers and praised Ranbir Kapoor's exceptional portrayal in "Animal."
It is noteworthy that throughout his extensive 60-year career, Prem Chopra has made significant contributions to numerous films, including notable titles such as "Do Raaste," "Purab Aur Paschim," "Teesri Manzil," "Kati Patang," "Sautan," and "Trishul." His journey remains a testament to the evolution of negative characters in Bollywood, where he has not only witnessed but actively participated in the transformation of cinematic storytelling.
- PTC PUNJABI