Sunny Deol Applauds Bobby Deol's Powerful Role in Animal, Hailing His Screen Dominance

Sunny Deol Shines Spotlight on Bobby Deol’s Gritty Turn in Animal

There’s always a certain buzz when siblings succeed in the same industry, but it’s a rare sight when both hit career-defining moments in the same year. That’s exactly what happened with Sunny and Bobby Deol in 2023. At a SCREEN Live event in Mumbai, Sunny Deol couldn't hide his pride as he spoke about his younger brother’s performance in the massive hit Animal. Bobby Deol, once typecast in chocolate-boy roles, left a thunderous impression as Abrar—the silent and deeply traumatized antagonist of the film.

Sunny didn’t hold back on the compliments. "The moment Bobby came on screen, he took over the whole show," he said, calling attention to Bobby's magnetic presence. The fact that Bobby tackled the role of a villain—especially one steeped in such personal pain—wasn’t lost on Sunny. He pointed out that Bobby embraced the challenge without any ego about playing negative roles, pushing aside the old Bollywood stereotype that heroes never cross over to the 'dark side.'

The character Abrar wasn’t your typical antagonist—he was mute, a feature tied back to a traumatic experience in childhood after seeing his grandfather’s suicide. This layer of emotional complexity made Abrar quietly terrifying and achingly human at the same time. Fans and critics latched onto Bobby’s nuanced use of body language and haunting expressions, which communicated volumes without a spoken word.

Bobby's Long Climb Back to Stardom—and the Power of OTT

Bobby Deol’s journey in the film industry hasn’t always been smooth. After a solid start in the '90s, lead roles became hard to come by. But it’s hard to keep a Deol down. Streaming platforms gave Bobby a new shot, most notably with his role in the gritty Aashram series. Millions tuned in to see him play a morally grey godman, and suddenly Bobby had a fresh fanbase, especially among younger viewers more likely to binge-watch than hit the theaters.

Then came Animal. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, and Rashmika Mandanna, the movie didn’t just set the box office ringing; it roared, closing in on ₹800 crore worldwide. As part of a star-studded cast, Bobby could have easily faded into the background. Instead, his performance as Abrar became one of the most talked-about elements, adding a real sense of danger and gravitas to the story.

Sunny, himself riding high on the blockbuster success of Gadar 2 that same year, didn’t just praise Bobby’s acting. He talked up his brother’s all-around appeal—calling him a ‘personality’ with “good looks, everything.” Sunny acknowledged the grind Bobby went through after falling out of favor in mainstream cinema, noting how he reinvented himself and never shied away from change, no matter how tough the role or the circumstances. The Deol brothers ended 2023 with both their films breaking commercial records—a rare feat in one family.

For Bobby, Animal wasn’t just another role—it was a reminder that his story isn’t over yet. And with Bollywood’s ever-shifting sands, reinvention isn’t just possible; it’s essential. If you’re looking for proof, just watch Bobby Deol take over the screen, wordless but unforgettable.