The excitement around the re-release of Ram Gopal Varma’s cult classic Shiva is at an all-time high. Promoted with the grandeur of a brand-new theatrical release, the film’s timeless impact continues to resonate with fans.
Adding to the buzz, a special conversation recently brought together Shiva star Nagarjuna Akkineni, director Ram Gopal Varma, and Animal filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga.
During this engaging chat, a part of the film’s promotional campaign, Nagarjuna shared an unexpected revelation about Ranbir Kapoor that instantly grabbed attention.
Here’s all about it!
Nagarjuna makes a surprising revelation about Ranbir Kapoor from the sets of ‘Brahmastra’"During Brahmastra, #RanbirKapoor was only talking about #Animal and was more excited about it than Brahmastra.
— Whynot Cinemas (@whynotcinemass_) November 11, 2025
He used to show me some scenes from Arjun Reddy, like where #VijayDeverakonda kissing a girl. "
- #Nagarjuna | #SandeepReddyVanga pic.twitter.com/27wYTk8KWR
Credits: X/whynotcinemass_
In a now-viral clip from the conversation, Nagarjuna revealed just how deeply invested Ranbir Kapoor was in Animal long before filming even began.
When Ram Gopal Varma asked Sandeep Reddy Vanga whether any of the actors had second thoughts before signing the film, Sandeep responded,"Ranbir never had a doubt."
Adding to this, Nagarjuna revealed an interesting behind-the-scenes detail, saying, "That time I was doing Brahmastra with him and he was only talking about Animal that he was going to start. That time, he had not started Animal."
He further said, "He was pulling out Arjun Reddy. He was not pulling out the Hindi version, but the Telugu version. He was showing some scenes. I remember one sequence where Vijay is kissing a girl. And he was showing me how real it is. He was very, very excited to start that film", recalled Nagarjuna.
Fans react to the viral clip
Credits: T-Series
This revelation offers an interesting glimpse into Ranbir Kapoor’s journey with Animal, one of 2023’s biggest blockbusters. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the film presented Ranbir in a fierce, unfiltered avatar, a side of him that completely surprised fans.
Reacting to the clip, and X user wrote, “He is excited about bits. Common in all 3 of them. Kamesh sangam.😂🤦♂️,” while another wrote, “Ao he was excited about the kissing scenes?”
Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal grossed over Rs 900 crore worldwide and earned Ranbir widespread acclaim for his fearless performance.
Meanwhile, Shiva gears up for its re-release. Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, the film stars Nagarjuna Akkineni, Amala Akkineni, Raghuvaran, and Tanikella Bharani.
Social and lead image Credits: Instagram/norafatehi, Instagram/shreyaghoshal
