Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal co-star confesses he ‘didn’t understand’ the film until the end; said he rejected it after first meeting with Sandeep Reddy Vanga

Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Animal was one of the biggest hits of 2023 but his co-star Saurabh Sachdeva candidly admitted that he didn't understand the film until the end of the shoot.

Ranbir Kapoor is regarded as one of the finest actors of his generation, and with his last release, Animal, he delivered both the biggest hit and the most polarising film of his career. His co-star Saurabh Sachdeva, last seen in Dhadak 2, recently spoke about Ranbir’s attitude on set. When asked if the star ever threw “tantrums,” Saurabh said that if Ranbir had been throwing tantrums, he wouldn’t have been able to deliver his craft on screen. For Saurabh, Animal was also a massive project, but he candidly admitted that he didn’t fully understand what director Sandeep Reddy Vanga was trying to achieve, or the world he was trying to create, until the very end.

In a chat with the YouTube channel Filmygyan, Saurabh was asked if star kid Ranbir “threw any tantrums” on set and the actor was quick to answer that no one actually does that. “Nobody does that. This is all nonsense. Everyone is human and if they are a good actor, professional, and know how to connect with a co-actor… they know that is how a scene comes alive. If they start throwing tantrums, then how will the scene come to life? How can he be such a beautiful, powerful, versatile actor, if he does not connect with me or with any other co-actor? It’s not possible,” he shared. Talking more about Ranbir, Saurabh shared that he was “always connected, very humble and respectful with his co-actors.”

Saurabh Sachdeva had a brief but impactful appearance in Animal and he said that when he was first offered the part, he was very skeptical about taking it up. “I was initially very skeptical about doing the film. When I met Sandeep for the first time, I didn’t understand what was happening in the film and I was wondering that since it’s such a huge cast, I might get lost in it,” he said.

Saurabh shared that after the first meeting with Sandeep, he called his manager to speak about his doubts but was told that this would be “the biggest film of the year.” “But I was thinking that I still don’t understand the story of the film,” he shared. He met Sandeep thrice and still didn’t have a clue about the world that the director was trying to create here. “I told him that I do not understand the world of this film. He then showed me the scene of the masked men and I got even more confused. Then he showed me that scene between Triptii Dimri and Ranbir in the lawn. Then the writer of the film, he started narrating a few more scenes and I said, ‘Okay, I will do it’,” he said.

But, for all of his shooting schedule, Saurabh felt “confused.” “Honestly, throughout the film, I was really confused, till the end. And I wasn’t sure if what I was doing was right or not,” he said.

Saurabh Sachdeva was also asked about an update on Animal Park and he said, “I have no clue. I also want to know when it’s coming out. The shoot hasn’t even started. Sandeep is making Spirit, and then he will start this.” He added, “They are still writing the story. It’s a work in progress.”

Ranbir Kapoor’s ability to remain grounded despite being one of the biggest stars in the country is something that has often been pointed out by his co-actors. Saurabh’s comments only reinforced the widely held belief that Ranbir carries a sense of humility on set, which makes him approachable and easy to work with. In an industry where egos often clash, this kind of attitude stands out and ensures smooth collaboration among actors.

Animal itself was a film that divided audiences but undeniably showcased Ranbir’s versatility as an actor. From intense action sequences to emotionally charged moments, his performance received both acclaim and criticism, proving just how impactful his presence is. For co-actors like Saurabh, being part of such a polarising project not only added to their visibility but also gave them an opportunity to share screen space with one of the industry’s finest performers.

Saurabh’s honesty about his confusion during the shoot also highlights how layered Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s filmmaking process can be. While some actors may feel lost in such a creative environment, the eventual result often surprises even the cast members themselves. This is a testament to the director’s unconventional style, where clarity emerges only after the bigger picture is revealed on screen.

Moreover, Saurabh’s revelations provide audiences with a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of a blockbuster film. They remind viewers that what unfolds on screen is often the result of intense dedication, trust, and faith in the director’s vision, even when it feels unclear during the making. For many actors, these experiences become valuable lessons that shape their craft for future roles.

As for the much-anticipated Animal Park, fans continue to wait with bated breath. While no concrete updates have surfaced, the excitement surrounding the sequel demonstrates the impact Animal has had on pop culture. Saurabh’s eagerness to learn about the film’s progress mirrors the curiosity of audiences, further proving how deeply invested both insiders and fans are in this cinematic universe.