What is the story about?
Bobby Deol and Anurag Kashyap's latest film, Bandar, is making its way to the digital world soon after its theatrical release. Directed by Anurag Kashyap,
the psychological prison drama explores the complex impact of an accusation on a man’s life, delving into themes of public perception, media scrutiny and social judgement. The film, which is rooted in the #MeTooForMen discourse, stars Bobby Deol alongside Sanya Malhotra, Sapna Pabbi and Saba Azad. After exploring its intense narrative on the big screen, Bandar will soon be available for audiences to watch from the comfort of their homes. Here’s when and where to stream Bandar online.
Bandar OTT release date
Bandar was released in theatres in India on June 5, 2026, following its earlier premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025. Now, the film is all set to land on ZEE5 on August 28, 2026. The platform’s post also teases the film’s central conflict with the question, “When a man is accused, is the verdict already decided?” and highlights how an accusation turns a man’s life upside down.
Bobby Deol on Bandar
Talking about his experience of playing the character, Bobby Deol said the role “demanded a lot from me, not just as an actor, but as a person.” He added that he had to “let go of my inhibitions, trust the process, and fully surrender to Anurag’s vision.”
Praising the filmmaker’s distinctive approach, Deol said Anurag Kashyap “never takes the obvious route” and encourages actors to explore “the uncomfortable, the unexpected.” Calling the experience “both challenging and liberating,” the actor said the film holds a “special place in my heart.” He also expressed hope that its premiere on Hindi ZEE5 will help Bandar reach the wider audience it deserves.
About Bandar
Bandar follows Sameer 'Samar' Mehra (Bobby Deol), a fading television actor whose life takes a devastating turn after a dating-app encounter ends in a rape accusation. The film moves away from conventional courtroom drama to explore the brutal reality of an undertrial prison, social media judgement and a slow-moving judicial system.
Bobby Deol anchors the film as Samar, delivering a layered performance that has been widely praised for its vulnerability and intensity. Sanya Malhotra plays his sister, bringing emotional weight to the story, while Sapna Pabbi, Saba Azad, Jitendra Joshi, Indrajith Sukumaran and Raj B. Shetty round out the ensemble. Bandar explores male ego, digital-age relationships and institutional indifference, offering no easy answers. The film examines public judgement, systemic failures and how a single accusation can drastically alter a person’s identity and life.
