Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga has addressed several times the criticism his film Animal received despite being a commercial success. Released in 2023 the massy actioner starring Ranbir Kapoor Anil Kapoor Bobby Deol Rashmika Mandanna and Triptii Dimri faced backlash for glorifying toxic masculinity and misogyny. Moreover UPSC professor Vikas Divyakirti also chimed in to criticise the film stating how it takes society back 10 years. Sandeep Reddy Vanga recently addressed the backlash his film faced during a conversation on the Game Changers podcast. Without taking any names he indirectly aimed at the IAS officer who made him feel that he had committed some sort of crime to direct a film like Animal. Sandeep Reddy Vanga indirectly fires back at Vikas Divyakirti for criticising Animal Sandeep said There is this IAS officer. In a very serious interview he said Movies like Animal shouldnt be made. The way he sounded the way he was saying it was literally mujhe laga ki kuch criminal kaam kiya maine (I felt as if I had committed a crime). ‘On one hand films like 12th Fail are made and on the other films like Animal jo samaajh ko peeche leke jarraha hai (which is pulling the society backwards)’. Sandeep Reddy Vanga feels that cracking IAS is easier than filmmaking The filmmaker thinks that cracking IAS is far easier than making films. Sandeep added Im very honest in saying this ki koi unnecessary attack karega na toh 100% gusssa ayegaa (If anyone attacks unnecessarily there will be anger). I feel that he is an IAS officer he studied to become one. What I think is go to Delhi get enrolled in an institute give 2-3 years of your life you can crack IAS. There will be a limited amount of books right? You will study 1500 books...you can crack IAS. Ill give you in writing. There is no course there is no teacher that can make you a filmmaker and a writer. Vikas Divyakirti views on Animal Vikas Divyakirti a UPSC professor portrayed himself in Vikrant Masseys 12th Fail (2004). While speaking on Neelesh Misras Slow Interview series last year he stated A film like Animal takes our society back by 10 years. A film like this should not be made. You earned money. You showed that your hero behaves like an animal. There should be some social value or are people working only for financial value?.