'Animal' paves the way for adult-rated films to shine at the box office

In the recent past, A-rated films such as Kabir Singh, which made ₹278.24 crore at the box office, have done well

- Lata Jha

Despite an adult rating (A-rating), over three hours of running time, and contrasting reviews, Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Animal has crossed the ₹400 crore mark at the domestic box office alone. Theatre owners and trade experts say while it is more common for family films that appeal to all demographics to clock big numbers at the box office in India, the film has done an unusual job of catering to young, male audiences who will bring in repeat value.

While A-rated films do not have the best track record in the Indian movie business, Bollywood had a long tradition of male-centric, action movies in the 1980s and 90s that gradually gave way to romantic comedies and dramas.

In the recent past, a handful of A-rated films such as Kabir Singh, also directed by Animal film-maker Sandeep Reddy Vanga, and Hollywood psychological thriller Joker, have done well, making ₹278.24 crore and ₹67.95 crore at the Indian box office, respectively.