Anurag Kashyap’s Bandar, starring Bobby Deol, is inspired by real-life events and is set to release in theatres
Bobby Deols Bandar Theatrical Release Confirmed; Everything You Need to Know
Anurag Kashyap’s Bandar Movie Release Date: Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has officially announced the theatrical release date of his next film Bandar, which features Bobby Deol in the lead role. After gaining attention at an international film festival, the film is now set for its big-screen debut in India.
According to reports, Bandar will release in cinemas on May 22, 2026. The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival 2025, where it was showcased under the Special Presentations category. The strong festival response helped fast-track its theatrical release plans.
In an interview with Variety, Anurag Kashyap revealed that Bandar is inspired by real-life events. He said, “The idea came from a true story, but we obviously had to navigate very thin lines. You don’t know who’s right, who’s wrong. There was rampant misuse of new laws, with cases of one woman filing eight different cases in eight different police stations with the help of a lawyer and a policeman.”
Producer Nikhil Dwivedi shared a newspaper article about the case with Kashyap, which eventually shaped the project. Dwivedi explained, “As a filmmaker, diverse stories attract me. As much as possible for me, I try to avoid differentiating between them as commercial or offbeat. This subject fascinated me.”
Bandar stars Bobby Deol alongside Saba Azad and Sanya Malhotra. The film explores the impact of #MeToo allegations in modern, digital-age India. The story follows Samar, a struggling television actor whose career is already fading. His life takes a shocking turn when his former girlfriend Gayatri accuses him of rape after he blocks all contact with her. The allegation leads to his arrest and traps him in a legal system that appears more focused on punishment than justice.
Even before Bandar reaches Indian theatres, Anurag Kashyap is busy with upcoming projects. He is currently working on Nishaanchi Part 2, the sequel to his recent release. The film features Aaishvary Thackeray, Vedika Pinto, Monika Panwar, Kumud Mishra, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub in key roles.
