Kiran reacts to Sandeep's comments on Aamir's films: He stepped up, apologised

Aamir Khan, ex-wife Kiran Rao and Animal director Sandeep Reddy Vanga are currently involved in a three-way exchange of critical commentary, both implied and direct. In this, Aamir is a silent participant but also the fulcrum around which the controversy has coalesced.

There's a lot to unpack in the sequence of events which began with Sandeep Reddy Vanga taking aim at Kiran Rao in a recent interview. For context, Mr Vanga's last two films – Animal and Kabir Singh – were both not just massive hits but also widely condemned for their glorification of misogyny and toxic masculinity.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga has spent much of his public time since the release of Animal defending his filmmaking from critics who warn against the dangers of portraying violence against and debasement of women.