Sandeep Reddy Vanga Explained

Sandeep Vanga
Birth Date:25 December 1981
Birth Place:Warangal, Telangana India
Yearsactive:2005–present
Children:2

Sandeep Reddy Vanga (in Hindi pronounced as /sˈændiːp ɹˈɛdi vˈæŋɡə/; 25 December, 1981) is an Indian film director, screenwriter and editor known for his works in Telugu and Hindi cinema. He is known for his gritty and intense dramas, with a blend of dark psychological themes and complex characters. Vanga made his screenwriting and directing debut with the 2017 Telugu-language romantic drama film Arjun Reddy. It was a critical and commercial success, gaining him recognition. He continued his success with its Hindi-language remake, Kabir Singh (2019), which went on to become one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of all time. Vanga's prominence increased with the Hindi-language action-drama film Animal (2023), which broke several box office records and emerged as the 9th highest-grossing Indian film and the highest-grossing A rated Indian film of all time.[1]

Early life

Sandeep Vanga was born in a Telugu family, in Warangal, Telangana. He did his early schooling at Platinum Jubilee High School, Warangal, and moved to Hyderabad after class 8 standard for his further education. He earned a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy. He later went on to pursue filmmaking at an International Film School in Sydney, Australia.[2] [3]

Career

2005–2012: Early career

Vanga worked as an apprentice for the film Manasu Maata Vinadhu in 2005 for 25 days at Rushikonda Beach, Vizag. He worked for a few Tollywood films, including Kedi (2010) as an assistant director with Kiran Kumar and Malli Malli Idi Rani Roju (2015) as an associate director with Kranthi Madhav. He started writing the script for a film titled Sugar Factory for his directorial debut, but he eventually shelved it and started writing the script of Arjun Reddy instead.

2013–2017: Directorial debut and recognition

Vanga started writing the script for Arjun Reddy in 2013 and finished it in two years. Producer Swapna Dutt and Sharwanand showed interest to produce and act in the film, however, it did not pan out as expected as Sharwanand had multiple projects in the queue at the time. He was introduced to Vijay Deverakonda by a common friend. He cast him as the lead for his directorial debut Arjun Reddy. The film was released on 25 August 2017 to critical acclaim and became a blockbuster hit. It was produced on a minuscule budget of ₹4–5 crores, but went on to gross more than ₹50 crores (US$8 million) at the box office.[4] [5] [6] However, during the release, it constantly ran into trouble with the censor board for the depiction of smoking and drug use. It also created a furor for its kissing scenes and poster, which were eventually approved by the Telangana Film Chamber. Senior political leader, V. Hanumantha Rao, raged over the positioning of the film to the audience. He went on to publicly peeling off the posters of the film, encouraging the audience to not entertain such films.

2019–present: Widespread success

Vanga himself agreed to direct the Hindi version of Arjun Reddy (2017), titled Kabir Singh (2019).[7] Shahid Kapoor was signed in as the eponymous protagonist, while Kiara Advani was roped into playing the female lead. The film was produced by Murad Khetani and Ashwin Warde, who bought the rights to the original film for 15 million. The filming began in October 2018, wrapped up in July 2019, and the movie was released on 21 June of the same year. Despite its controversial depictions of drug abuse and toxic relationships, it went on to earn over worldwide and over net domestically in India, becoming the second highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2019, and Shahid Kapoor's highest-grossing solo-lead release.

On 1 January 2021, Vanga's next directorial titled Animal, an action drama film starring Ranbir Kapoor in lead was announced. It was produced by T-Series, Bhadrakhali Pictures, and Cine1Studios.[8] Animal released on 1 December 2023. It received mixed response from the critics, with praise going towards its performances, music, and technical aspects, while criticism towards its writing, graphic violence, and alleged misogyny. It grossed over worldwide, becoming the third highest-grossing Indian film of 2023, the eighth highest-grossing Indian film, and the highest-grossing A-rated Indian film of all time.A sequel titled Animal Park was teased in the post-credits scene of the film, whose shooting will commence between 2026 and 2027.[9]

His next directorial, Spirit (2025), was announced in 7 October 2021, starring Prabhas, his first collaboration with Vanga, produced jointly by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures.[10]

A fifth directorial venture, which will star Allu Arjun, was speculated to be released after Spirit, but Vanga clarified that it will be made only after Animal Park is made. [11] [12]

Filmmaking

Vanga has established himself one of the most sought out film directors across Indian cinema. His film's storytelling, characterisation, innovative screenplay and shotmaking techniques have been recognized by many to have introduced new style of filmmaking and has set standards for other Indian films, eventually making trendsetting films.[13] [14] Vanga crafts the scenes and shaping the character with heroic undertones. He himself considers Arjun Reddy and Kabir Singh were love stories, while Animal a family drama, and now with his next upcoming film titled Spirit, he steps into the action genre.[15]

Vanga's films have been commercially successful but it's matter of debate in media that his films have been accused of allegedly glorifying misogynistic themes and elements.[16] He has been defended by filmmakers such as Ram Gopal Varma, Anurag Kashyap,[17] Vikram Bhatt,[18] and Sanjay Gupta[19] as well as actresses Rashmika Mandanna,[20] Tanishaa Mukerji,[21] Sargun Mehta,[22] Indira Krishnan,[23] and Bhumi Pednekar.[24] Kashyap in particular has remained vocal about defending him and Animal because he himself faced similar challenges following the release of his own films Dev.D, That Girl in Yellow Boots and Bombay Velvet.[25] [26] [27]

Personal life

Sandeep Reddy Vanga is married to Manisha Reddy. The couple had two kids, a daughter and a son in 2014. Vanga stated that he named his son, Arjun Reddy after the protagonist of his first film.[28] [29]

Filmography

List of directorial feature films
YearTitleDirectorWriterEditorLanguage Note
2017Arjun ReddyTelugu
2019Kabir SinghRemake of his Arjun Reddy (2017)
2023AnimalVoice dubbed for Aziz Haque character
2025[30]

Acting roles

YearTitleRoleNotes
2010KediMan on a boatUncredited
2018Mahanati Vedantam Raghavayya
2023AnimalAziz HaqueVoice only

Awards and nominations

List of Sandeep Reddy Vanga awards and nominations
YearCeremonyCategoryFilmResult
20187th South Indian International Movie AwardsBest Debut Director (Telugu)Arjun Reddy
Best Director (Telugu)
65th Filmfare Awards SouthBest Director – Telugu
49th Cinegoers AwardsBest Debut Director
201926th Screen AwardsBest DirectorKabir Singh
21st IIFA AwardsBest Director
202469th Filmfare AwardsBest DirectorAnimal
Best Screenplay
Best Editing

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 8 December 2023 . Animal box office collection Day 8 early report: Ranbir Kapoor-starrer becomes highest grossing 'A' rated film . 9 December 2023 . The Indian Express . en . 9 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231209024111/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/animal-box-office-collection-day-8-early-report-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-becomes-highest-grossing-a-rated-film-9060270/ . live.
  2. News: Director Sandeep Vanga to watch out for! . . Pranita . Jonnalagedda . 17 August 2017 . 31 August 2017 . 30 August 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170830205850/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/170817/a-director-to-watch-out-for.html . live.
  3. Web site: 2023-12-12 . Animal: Who Is Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Whose Film Starring Ranbir Kapoor Has Sparked HUGE Debate . 2024-04-20 . News18 . en . 20 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240420134524/https://www.news18.com/movies/animal-who-is-sandeep-reddy-vanga-whose-film-starring-ranbir-kapoor-has-sparked-huge-debate-8700373.html . live .
  4. News: Telugu film 'Arjun Reddy' reaches the Rs 50 crore club . 16 October 2017 . . 6 February 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180206162933/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/telugu-film-arjun-reddy-reaches-rs-50-crore-club-70057 . 6 February 2018.
  5. News: Arjun Reddy box office collection week 2: Vijay Devarakonda starrer collects Rs 41.5 crore worldwide . Jayakrishnan . 10 September 2017 . . 2 April 2018 . https://archive.today/20180402084629/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/box-office/arjun-reddy-box-office-collection-week-2-vijay-devarakonda-starrer-collects-rs-41-5-crore-worldwide/articleshow/60449785.cms . 2 April 2018.
  6. News: Three hours and a huge hit later . Dundoo . Sangeetha Devi . 9 September 2017 . . 2 April 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180402084431/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/three-hours-and-a-huge-hit-later/article19643308.ece . 2 April 2018.
  7. News: Vidya defends Kabir Singh . . 17 February 2020 . 20 February 2020 . 20 February 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200220162219/https://www.asianage.com/entertainment/bollywood/170220/vidya-defends-kabir-singh.html . live.
  8. Web site: 2 January 2021 . Ranbir Kapoor to star in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's crime drama Animal . 2 January 2021 . The Indian Express . en.
  9. Web site: Sandeep Reddy Vang gives major update on Animal Park, says it will be 'bigger & wilder' . 21 April 2024 .
  10. Web site: Spirit: Prabhas and Sandeep Reddy Vanga team up for #Prabhas25 with Bhushan Kumar . 7 October 2021 . The Times of India . 15 December 2021 . 15 December 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211215175315/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/spirit-prabhas-and-sandeep-reddy-vanga-team-up-for-prabhas25/articleshow/86830618.cms . live.
  11. Web site: Ramachandran . Naman . 3 March 2023 . Allu Arjun, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Bhushan Kumar Team on New Indian Project (EXCLUSIVE) . 28 September 2023 . Variety . en-US . 7 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231207095542/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/allu-arjun-sandeep-reddy-vanga-bhushan-kumar-film-1235541105/ . live.
  12. Web site: Sandeep Reddy Vanga Skips Allu Arjun . 29 March 2024 . M9 News.
  13. News: 'Arjun Reddy' completes three years: Recollect these kick-ass SCENES from Vijay Deverakonda's cult film. The Times of India . August 25, 2020. Web site: Three years for cult classic Arjun Reddy. August 25, 2020.
  14. Web site: Sandeep Reddy Vanga shares how influence of the Godfather and Kill Bill shaped Animal: 'I saw the Godfather for some 30-40 times' . 20 December 2023 .
  15. Web site: Prabhas and Sandeep Reddy Vanga's 'Spirit' to be a 'commercial entertainer' . . 11 July 2024 .
  16. Web site: Mehta . Takshi . 1 December 2023 . Animal review: Sandeep Reddy Vanga parades misogyny under the guise of love . 29 January 2024 . thefederal.com . en . 29 January 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240129063852/https://thefederal.com/film-reviews/animal-review-sandeep-reddy-vanga-parades-misogyny-under-the-guise-of-love-102119 . live.
  17. Web site: Anurag Kashyap meets Sandeep Reddy Vanga after watching Animal 'twice'; calls him 'most misunderstood, judged filmmaker at the moment'. Indian Express. 13 January 2024. 15 January 2024. 14 January 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240114105028/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/anurag-kashyap-meets-sandeep-reddy-vanga-after-watching-animal-twice-calls-him-most-misunderstood-judged-filmmaker-at-the-moment-9107978/. live.
  18. Web site: Vikram Bhatt says discussions around Animal 'too much', cites Shah Rukh Khan's Darr and Al Pacino's Scarface: 'Films are not community service'. Indian Express. 13 January 2024. 15 January 2024. 14 January 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240114070350/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/vikram-bhatt-discussions-animal-quotes-examples-shah-rukh-khan-darr-al-pacino-sacrface-9108209/. live.
  19. Web site: 'Javed Akhtar isn't accepting that society has changed': Sanjay Gupta sides with Sandeep Reddy Vanga in Animal debate. Indian Express. 25 January 2024 . 25 January 2024.
  20. News: Rashmika Mandanna defends Sandeep Reddy Vanga; says, 'He functions differently'. Times of India. 19 January 2024. 19 January 2024. 19 January 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240119104111/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rashmika-mandanna-defends-sandeep-reddy-vanga-unique-filmmaking-approach-supported/articleshow/106978835.cms?from=mdr. live.
  21. Web site: Tanishaa Mukerji dubs Animal as a feminist movie, defends 'lick my shoe' scene: 'It was very realistic'. Indian Express. 20 January 2024. 20 January 2024. 20 January 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240120102005/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/tanishaa-mukerji-dubs-animal-feminist-movie-defends-lick-my-shoe-scene-9118851/. live.
  22. Web site: Sargun Mehta defends Sandeep Reddy Vanga on misogyny in Animal, says if people want to learn lessons from films, 'Let's shut down schools'. Indian Express. 18 February 2024. 18 February 2024. 18 February 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240218083654/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/sargun-mehta-defends-sandeep-reddy-vanga-on-misogyny-in-animal-says-if-people-want-to-learn-lessons-from-films-lets-shut-down-schools-9167637/. live.
  23. Web site: Animal actor Indira Krishna defends Sandeep Reddy Vanga in verbal spat with Adil Hussain. Hindustan Times. 24 June 2024. 24 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240624074902/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/animal-actor-indira-krishna-defends-sandeep-reddy-vanga-in-verbal-spat-with-adil-hussain-101719204436613.html. live.
  24. News: Bhumi Pednekar defends Ranbir Kapoor starrer 'Animal'; says Sandeep Reddy Vanga has right of 'self expression' as a filmmaker. Times of India. 9 February 2024. 9 February 2024. 9 February 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240209130450/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/bhumi-pednekar-defends-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-animal-says-sandeep-reddy-vanga-has-right-of-self-expression-as-a-filmmaker/articleshow/107559747.cms. live.
  25. Web site: Anurag Kashyap backs 'honest' Sandeep Reddy Vanga, compares him to 'toxic' Bollywood folks: 'I want to call out the hypocrisy'. Indian Express. 11 June 2024 . 11 June 2024. 11 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240611063238/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/anurag-kashyap-backs-honest-sandeep-reddy-vanga-compares-toxic-bollywood-folks-call-out-hypocrisy-9384819/. live.
  26. Web site: Anurag Kashyap Says He Loves Talking To Sandeep Reddy Vanga: 'A Lot Of People In The Industry Are Toxic'. CNN-News18. 11 June 2024 . 11 June 2024. 11 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240611223846/https://www.news18.com/movies/anurag-kashyap-says-he-loves-talking-to-sandeep-reddy-vanga-a-lot-of-people-in-the-industry-are-toxic-8929113.html. live.
  27. Web site: Anurag Kashyap says his daughter Aaliyah called him out for views on Animal and photo with Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Hindustan Times. 20 June 2024. 20 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240620125931/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/anurag-kashyap-says-his-daughter-aaliyah-called-him-out-for-views-on-animal-and-photo-with-sandeep-reddy-vanga-101718885106905.html. live.
  28. Web site: Lohana . Avinash . Kabir Singh director Sandeep Vanga: I named my son Arjun Reddy . 11 December 2023 . . en . 5 February 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210205231634/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/kabir-singh-director-sandeep-vanga-i-named-my-son-arjun-reddy/articleshow/69623669.cms . live.
  29. Web site: 2024-02-06 . Sandeep Reddy Vanga showed Animal's edited version to 7-year-old son, had 'ideological battles' with wife: 'She felt there was too much bloodshed' . 2024-04-20 . The Indian Express . en . 20 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240420134524/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/sandeep-reddy-vanga-showed-edited-version-of-animal-to-7-year-old-son-admits-he-had-ideological-battles-with-wife-9146247/ . live .
  30. timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/sandeep-reddy-vanga-shares-insights-on-upcoming-film-spirit-with-prabhas/amp_articleshow/108108375.cms@

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