DEHLI (Web Desk) – Anurag Kashyap’s upcoming thriller Bandar is shaping up to be more than just a crime drama. Starring Bobby Deol in a complex lead role, the film examines how allegations, media scrutiny and public perception can dramatically alter a person’s life, while raising broader questions about accountability and justice in today’s hyperconnected world.
Ahead of the film’s release, Bobby Deol and producer Nikhil Dwivedi appeared on The Newshour at 9 on Times Now, where the discussion extended beyond the storyline and touched on contemporary debates surrounding gender, legal processes and equal rights.
Dwivedi emphasised that Bandar should not be viewed as a film that takes sides in gender-based conflicts. Instead, he described it as a story rooted in the pursuit of fairness and truth. Reflecting on the subject matter, he noted that the themes and characters became deeply personal to those involved in the project.
Addressing concerns that the film could be interpreted as portraying men as victims in cases involving allegations of misconduct, Dwivedi rejected that characterisation. Referring to the widely discussed Twisha Sharma case, he stated that any claims of wrongdoing deserve a thorough investigation and that those responsible should face consequences if found guilty. However, he stressed that supporting victims and respecting due process are not mutually exclusive. According to him, the film advocates faith in justice rather than blind allegiance to any particular gender, arguing that the principles of law and democracy depend on fair and impartial judgment.
The trailer introduces Bobby Deol as Sameer Mehra, a former rockstar struggling to maintain relevance as his fame fades. While he continues to project the image of a successful celebrity through lavish parties, designer fashion and a carefree lifestyle, cracks begin to appear beneath the surface. His personal life seems increasingly unstable as he drifts through casual relationships and battles inner turmoil.
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The narrative takes a dramatic turn when a woman, portrayed by Sapna Pabbi, accuses Sameer of sexual assault. As the allegations gain public attention, his insistence on innocence is overshadowed by a growing media storm and legal challenges. The controversy not only threatens his career but also strains his relationships, including with his sister, played by Sanya Malhotra, who finds herself caught between family loyalty and frustration.
As the story unfolds, Bandar transitions into an intense prison drama, exploring isolation, violence and psychological collapse. Rather than offering straightforward answers, the film appears to delve into the ambiguity that often surrounds high-profile accusations, leaving audiences to grapple with difficult moral questions.
The film also marks Bobby Deol’s first collaboration with Anurag Kashyap, whose reputation for layered, morally complex storytelling aligns with the project’s themes. Written by Sudip Sharma and Abhishek Banerjee, the creative minds behind acclaimed titles such as Paatal Lok, Kohrra and Udta Punjab, Bandar promises a thought-provoking examination of fame, truth and the fragile line between perception and reality.
