The “unforgettable” cinematic beast is heading East. Following its historic and polarized run at the Indian box office, Ranbir Kapoor’s high-octane action drama, Animal, is officially set to release in Japanese theaters on February 13, 2026. The announcement, shared by the film’s makers, Bhadrakali Pictures, on X (formerly Twitter), marks a major milestone for the film as it targets a fresh international audience and a significant box-office milestone.
Directed by the visionary Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the film—which originally debuted in December 2023—has remained a constant topic of discussion due to its raw intensity and complex character arcs. Now, nearly two years after its initial eruption, the “Animal” is ready to prowl through the streets of Tokyo and Osaka.
The makers unveiled a striking new poster tailored specifically for the Japanese market, featuring an intense, blood-smattered Ranbir Kapoor as Ranvijay Singh. The poster carries the evocative Japanese tagline, “Kono otoko wa Darenimo Tomerarenai,” which translates to “This man cannot be stopped.”
The theatrical rollout in Japan is being handled by Geek Pictures, a distribution powerhouse that has successfully brought other Indian blockbusters like RRR and Baahubali to local audiences. By choosing a release date of February 13, the makers are strategically positioning the film to capitalize on the Valentine’s Day weekend, a time when intense romantic and emotional dramas—however dark—often see a surge in viewership.
The timing of this release is far from accidental. Animal ended its original theatrical run with a staggering global gross of approximately ₹915 crore, making it the 9th highest-grossing Indian film of all time.
この男は誰にも止められない。🔥
Kono otoko wa Darenimo Tomerarenai🔥The most talked-about, debated, and unforgettable cinematic experience is coming to Japan.🪓
Animal releases in Japanese theatres on February 13, 2026. 🇯🇵🇮🇳#Animal #AnimalinJapan #AnimalTheFilm #RanbirKapoor… pic.twitter.com/0ppdkqtd0W
— Bhadrakali Pictures (@VangaPictures) December 24, 2025
With the Japanese market showing an increasing appetite for “mass” Indian cinema—evidenced by the record-breaking success of RRR (which earned over ¥2.4 billion)—the producers are eyeing the elusive ₹1,000-crore club. If Animal manages to replicate even half the success of recent Telugu exports in Japan, it will comfortably cross the four-digit mark, potentially reclaiming its rank from recent competitors like Dhurandhar.
The film’s continued relevance is a testament to the performances of its ensemble cast. While Ranbir Kapoor delivered what many consider his career-best intensity, the film’s supporting cast remains a major draw for international viewers:
- Rashmika Mandanna: Her portrayal of Gitanjali provides the film’s emotional (and often turbulent) anchor.
- Anil Kapoor: As the workaholic patriarch Balbir Singh, his performance drives the central conflict of the narrative.
- Bobby Deol: Despite his limited screen time, his turn as the silent but menacing Abrar Haque sparked a “Lord Bobby” renaissance that has now reached global proportions.
The film’s technical prowess—including its acclaimed background score and the 204-minute runtime—will be presented in its full, unadulterated glory to the Japanese audience, maintaining the “A-rated” intensity that made it a cult phenomenon.
The Japanese market has recently transformed into a goldmine for Indian cinema. Since SS Rajamouli’s RRR redefined what a “foreign” film could achieve in Japan, the audience there has shown a deep appreciation for “emotionally charged” and “visually grand” Indian stories.
Animal, with its hyper-stylized violence and deep-rooted family dynamics, fits the mold of “event cinema” that Japanese viewers currently crave. Analysts suggest that while the film’s controversial themes might spark a debate similar to the one in India, the sheer craft and acting caliber are likely to resonate with the sophisticated Japanese demographic.
As the film prepares for its February 2026 release in Japan, the hype for the sequel, Animal Park, continues to simmer. Makers have hinted that production for the sequel could begin as early as 2027, with Ranbir Kapoor potentially playing a double role.
The Japan release serves as the perfect bridge to keep the franchise in the global spotlight. For fans who have already watched the film on streaming platforms, the Japanese theatrical release offers a chance to see the “Animal” roar on the big screen one more time, proving that great cinema—regardless of the controversy—knows no borders.
