The recently held prestigious Bollywood award ceremony took center stage as Shah Rukh Khan and Bobby Deol walked away with the coveted Best Actor awards for their performances in Jawan and Animal, respectively. However, while many celebrated these victories, a significant section of fans was left fuming, feeling that Ranbir Kapoor was the most deserving candidate for the Best Actor award, particularly for his role in Animal. The resulting uproar on social media sparked a heated debate over merit, favoritism, and the larger question of how awards are determined in the Indian film industry. Here’s a deep dive into the awards, the performances, and the fans’ reactions, unraveling why some feel that Ranbir Kapoor was unfairly overlooked. Shah Rukh Khan’s performance in Jawan left the audience and critics alike spellbound. Directed by the acclaimed Tamil director Atlee, the film was an action-packed entertainer, blending commercial elements with strong social messaging. SRK, often referred to as the “King of Bollywood,” delivered an intense and complex portrayal of a vigilante on a mission to bring justice and reform corrupt systems. What stood out was his ability to portray multiple shades of his character, from a father’s emotional vulnerabilities to a fearless leader’s resolve. The dual roles SRK played—a father and son—provided him ample scope to showcase his versatility. His physical transformation, stylized action sequences, and gripping emotional performance turned Jawan into one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Many hailed the film as Shah Rukh’s comeback after a brief hiatus from lead roles, proving once again why he remains Bollywood’s most beloved superstar. The sheer scale of Jawan, along with SRK’s magnetic screen presence, arguably earned him the Best Actor award at the ceremony. While Shah Rukh’s victory was well-received by his ardent fan base, the debate over merit emerged soon after, particularly when it came to the performances of the other nominees. Bobby Deol, once the shining star of the 1990s, has had a career marked by ups and downs. But his portrayal in Animal was heralded as one of his finest performances. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Animal was a dark, intense film that explored themes of violence, redemption, and familial bonds. While Ranbir Kapoor played the central role, Bobby Deol’s performance as a complex and morally ambiguous character garnered praise for its depth and nuance. Animal was a challenging film, and Bobby Deol’s portrayal of the antagonist—an emotionally conflicted father figure with a violent past—left a lasting impact on audiences. It was a performance that showcased the range of Bobby’s acting chops, which had remained relatively underutilized in his earlier films. His award for Best Actor was seen by many as a recognition of his hard work, talent, and perseverance in an industry that often sidelines actors after a dip in their popularity. Bobby’s win was undoubtedly a high point in his career, and many of his fans saw it as a fitting comeback for the actor. But the conversation soon shifted towards Ranbir Kapoor, whose performance in the same film was seen as the strongest contender for the award.
Ranbir Kapoor has always been celebrated as one of Bollywood’s most talented and versatile actors. His ability to disappear into roles and bring out a character’s emotional complexities has made him a critical darling and a fan favorite. In Animal, Ranbir delivered what many are calling one of the best performances of his career. Playing a tormented son struggling with his inner demons and his relationship with his father (Bobby Deol), Ranbir’s role demanded a range of emotions, from vulnerability to uncontrollable rage. Ranbir’s character in Animal is not your typical hero. It is dark, layered, and requires the actor to tap into a raw, primal energy that few performers can convincingly convey. The film’s plot revolves around his character’s battle with his violent instincts and his complicated relationship with his father. Ranbir brought an intensity to the role that had many viewers sitting on the edge of their seats, emotionally invested in his journey of redemption and destruction. Critics lauded Ranbir’s ability to fully immerse himself in such a challenging character, with many predicting that his performance would sweep the award season. Given the critical acclaim and the sheer emotional weight of his portrayal, fans were shocked when he did not win the Best Actor award. The omission sparked an immediate backlash, with social media platforms being flooded with posts expressing disbelief and outrage. The reaction from Ranbir Kapoor’s fans was swift and intense. As soon as the winners were announced, Twitter and Instagram exploded with posts, hashtags, and fan-edited videos that highlighted Ranbir’s exceptional work in Animal. The hashtag #RanbirDeservedBetter began trending as fans shared clips from the film, interviews, and memes expressing their disappointment over his loss. Many of the fans believed that while Shah Rukh Khan and Bobby Deol delivered noteworthy performances, Ranbir Kapoor’s role was by far the most challenging and nuanced, deserving the highest recognition. One fan wrote on Twitter, “Ranbir Kapoor carried the weight of Animal on his shoulders. His performance was raw, real, and unmatched. This is a snub, plain and simple.” Another fan echoed the sentiment, “No disrespect to SRK or Bobby, but Ranbir was on another level in Animal. He deserved that award more than anyone.” The outrage wasn’t limited to just casual fans. Even some film critics and industry insiders chimed in, voicing their surprise that Ranbir had been overlooked. Many of them pointed out that award shows, especially in Bollywood, are often swayed by factors beyond the merit of the performance, such as star power, relationships, and commercial success. While Shah Rukh Khan and Bobby Deol are both well-established and respected actors, Ranbir Kapoor’s fans felt that his artistry in Animal should have been prioritized over the other factors. The controversy surrounding Ranbir Kapoor’s loss once again brought to the forefront the long-standing debate about the credibility of Bollywood award shows.
