Rashmika Mandanna’s latest remarks on accepting personalities like Ranbir Kapoor’s character in the film Animal have become a talking point on social media. The actor, who starred opposite Ranbir in the 2023 blockbuster, shared her thoughts during an interview with We The Women Asia.

Responding to a question on whether someone with traits similar to Ranbir’s onscreen persona could be accepted in real life, Rashmika said that she believed such individuals could indeed be understood and embraced. “When you grow together with your partner, it becomes possible to understand each other and evolve,” she noted.

Elaborating further, Rashmika stated, “When you love someone or when someone loves you, there are many changes that happen within. That shared journey is what shapes who you become. It helps define what you want, what you don’t, and moulds your personality. That’s the phase that prepares you.”

Her comments came in response to a light-hearted question from the interviewer, asking whether this was her idea of a romantic ideal. However, viewers on social media were quick to react, with many asserting that “men can never be changed”—a sentiment that gained traction online.

Animal, which released in 2023, was one of Bollywood’s biggest hits of the year, earning massive box office collections. Despite its commercial success, the film faced significant backlash for allegedly promoting misogynistic themes. The portrayal of Ranbir’s character, Ranvijay Singh, an aggressive and controlling “alpha male”, drew criticism from several quarters for reinforcing toxic masculinity.

While Animal found both fans and detractors, Rashmika’s defence of emotional growth within relationships has now added a fresh layer to the public discourse surrounding the film.