Bollywood powerhouse Bobby Deol is back in a high-stakes cinematic collaboration with acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap for the upcoming crime thriller Bandar, slated for a worldwide theatrical release on May 22, 2026 via Zee Studios. Produced by Nikhil Dwivedi under his banner Saffron Magicworks, the film also stars Sanya Malhotra and Sapna Pabbi in pivotal roles.
The first poster for Bandar sets a dark, electrifying tone. Bobby Deol’s intense close-up, framed by oversized sunglasses and a stern expression, is set against vertical bars in teal and red hues — visually evoking the caged, chaotic energy that aligns with the film’s title, which translates to “monkey in a cage.” This striking imagery reflects both the protagonist’s entrapment in a spiraling legal battle and the intense psychological tension at the heart of the story.
The film follows Samar (Bobby Deol), an aging television star whose celebrity has begun to wane. He is navigating a happy new relationship with a young woman, Khushi, when his past resurfaces in the form of his ex, Gayatri. Rather than engaging with her, Samar cuts all contact — only to be blindsided when Gayatri accuses him of rape. Faced with a corrupt legal system and public scrutiny, Samar must confront the consequences of fame, power, and past decisions.
Written by Sudip Sharma and Abhishek Banerjee, Bandar is inspired by real-life events, further grounding the narrative in raw, realistic tension. Anurag Kashyap’s trademark gritty style — previously seen in films like Gangs of Wasseypur and Animal — complements Bobby Deol’s versatile intensity, promising a taut, emotionally charged thriller.
Bandar had its first premiere in the Special Presentations section of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025, where it received early critical attention. Its May 22, 2026 release marks the film’s full theatrical debut, bringing audiences a hard-hitting story of fame, fallibility, and the dark side of celebrity.
With the convergence of Kashyap’s dark, edgy direction and Deol’s compelling performance, Bandar is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about crime thrillers of the year. The film is poised to explore moral complexity, societal pressures, and the human cost of fame, all while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.