Vicky Kaushal views Sam Bahadur vs Animal clash as a strategic test match

In the biographical war drama, Sam Bahadur, Vicky Kaushal portrayed the role of Sam Manekshaw, with Sanya Malhotra depicting his wife, Silloo Manekshaw, and Fatima Sana Shaikh embodying former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the film was produced by Ronnie Screwvala and it released around the same time as Ranbirs Kapoor's Animal which was helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, where the film explored a tumultuous father-son relationship. Starring Ranbir in the lead, the cast included Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, Triptii Dimri, Shakti Kapoor and Prem Chopra.

Vicky Kaushal earned widespread praise for his exceptional depiction of India’s inaugural Field Marshal, Sam Manekshaw, in the 2023 release Sam Bahadur. The film released on December 1. Reflecting on this clash, Vicky offered perspectives on his movie's reception, likening the scenario to a test match in regards with Ranbir Kapoor's film Animal.

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In a recent interview with The Week Magazine, Vicky Kaushal opened up about his film, Sam Bahadur, which clashed with Ranbir Kapoor's Animal at the box office, and spoke about it in detail. He said, “With Sam, we always knew it was a Test match; we knew it was not the quintessential masala film that Animal was―it had the shock value and one knew it would create waves at the box office.” 

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Vicky noticed a steady rise in conversations about the film as time went on. He expressed happiness seeing the movie's screenings extend into January, suggesting ongoing interest and involvement from audiences, which brought him great joy.

Notably, Vicky and Ranbir are set to collaborate on an upcoming project titled Love & War, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Heightening anticipation, the film will feature Alia Bhatt in a leading role.