Ram Gopal Varma recalled an intriguing conversation he had with SS Rajamouli about Sandeep Reddy Vanga during a recent roundtable with Animal filmmaker and Shiva star Nagarjuna. Varma said Rajamouli once declared himself a once‑in‑a‑blue‑moon filmmaker at an event. After watching Animal, Rajamouli called Varma and said, “I take back my words. He (Sandeep) is Ram Gopal Varma ka baap,” prompting smiles from Nagarjuna and Sandeep.
Varma admitted he initially had no idea about the comparison between him and Sandeep, suggesting the Animal director had earned the remark. He highlighted Sandeep’s distinctive attitude and his tendency to thumb his nose at conventional cinema, both in character development and scene conception. Despite the praise, Varma objectively criticized certain aspects of the film starring Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Anil Kapoor.
Varma expressed his dislike for the father‑son relationship depicted in the movie and the controversial shoe‑licking scene involving Ranbir and Tripti Dimri. He described that particular scene as inconsistent, reflecting his critical view of the film’s narrative choices. The candid remarks came during his recent media interaction, shedding light on the dynamics between veteran directors and emerging talent.
The exchange underscores the mutual respect and occasional friction among filmmakers in Indian cinema. While Rajamouli’s playful acknowledgment highlighted Sandeep’s bold style, Varma’s critique points to the ongoing debate over creative boundaries. Both perspectives contribute to the evolving discourse on innovation versus convention in today’s film industry.
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