Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma revealed that director SS Rajamouli called him after the release of the 'Animal' movie, adding, "Rajamouli said, 'I compared Sandeep Reddy Vanga with you earlier. I take my words back'." "Rajamouli said, 'Sandeep is Ram Gopal Varma ka baap (father)'," Varma added. 'Animal' was released in December 2023 and starred Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna.