Bandar 2026

Bandar is not a conventional courtroom thriller. The film follows Samar Mehra, a once-popular television star whose life collapses after he is accused of rape by a former partner. As the allegations gain attention, Samar finds himself trapped inside a legal system that appears determined to break him long before any verdict is reached. Rather than focusing solely on the investigation, the story examines public judgment, media scrutiny, power dynamics, and the devastating consequences of an accusation that reshapes every part of a person’s life. The screenplay was inspired by real-life events, giving the film a heavier and more unsettling tone than a typical crime drama.

• Release Date: June 5, 2026
• Director: Anurag Kashyap
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
• Runtime: 136–140 Minutes
• Studio/Platform: Saffron Magicworks, Zee Studios
• Language: Hindi, Marathi, English

Bobby Deol Delivers One of His Strongest Performances

Bobby Deol plays Samar Mehra with a vulnerability rarely seen in his earlier work. The character is far from perfect, which makes the audience constantly question what to believe as the story unfolds. Sanya Malhotra, Saba Azad, Sapna Pabbi, Indrajith Sukumaran, and Raj B. Shetty form a strong supporting cast, each contributing to the shifting perspectives that drive the narrative forward. Much of the film’s tension comes from the uncertainty surrounding the characters and their motivations.

Storyline

After several years away from this type of hard-hitting social drama, Anurag Kashyap returns to familiar territory with Bandar. The film avoids commercial shortcuts and instead leans into uncomfortable questions about justice, truth, and public perception. Cinematographer Saiyed Shaaz Rizvi gives the film a raw and grounded visual style, while editor Aarti Bajaj keeps the tension building throughout the lengthy runtime. The result feels closer to a character study than a traditional thriller.

Since its release, Bandar has generated significant discussion online. Many viewers have praised Bobby Deol’s performance and the film’s willingness to tackle controversial subject matter, while others have debated its themes and perspective. The movie has sparked conversations across social media and film communities, making it one of the most talked-about Hindi releases of 2026 despite its modest box-office performance.

Bandar Release Date & Where to Watch

Bandar was released theatrically on June 5, 2026, following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2025. The film received an Adult (A) certification from the CBFC and was distributed in India by Zee Studios. As of June 2026, no official OTT platform or streaming release date has been announced. Viewers interested in watching the film will need to check theatrical screenings and await future digital release updates.