Bobby Deol has been on a remarkable comeback journey over the last few years — and Bandar is his boldest move yet. Directed by the legendary Anurag Kashyap, this gritty crime thriller inspired by real events is unlike anything Bobby Deol has done before. Released today, June 5, 2026 — here is everything you need to know about one of the most talked-about films of the year.
Live updates — box office day 1 (June 5, 2026)
- Morning shows: Strong buzz from multiplex audiences — especially in metro cities
- Early audience reaction: “Bobby Deol is unrecognisable — in the best way possible”
- Critical response: Strong reviews from critics — Anurag Kashyap at his gritty best
- Competition today: Clashing with Peddi (Ram Charan) and Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai
- Day 1 estimate: Expected to open between ₹3–5 crore — niche, premium audience film
- TIFF buzz: Already screened at Toronto International Film Festival 2025 — international credibility strong
Bookmark this page — box office numbers will be updated throughout the day!
What is Bandar movie about?
Bandar — also titled internationally as Monkey in a Cage — follows Samar, a fading TV star played by Bobby Deol, who is accused of rape by his ex-girlfriend Gayatri, triggering a harrowing journey through India’s deeply flawed prison and legal system. The film explores cancel culture, justice, and redemption.
The film tackles themes such as dating apps and the #MeToo movement and is allegedly inspired by real-life events. What makes Bandar different from typical Bollywood films is its unflinching look at how a single accusation — true or false — can destroy a person’s entire life, career, and identity. Anurag Kashyap does not offer easy answers. He simply holds up a mirror to a deeply complicated reality.
Bandar full cast
- Bobby Deol as Samar Mehra — a fading television star and former rockstar grappling with irrelevance in a rapidly changing industry
- Sanya Malhotra as Samar’s sister — the emotional backbone of the story who fights to clear her brother’s name
- Sapna Pabbi as Gayatri — the ex-girlfriend who files the accusation against Samar
- Saba Azad — key supporting role
- Indrajith Sukumaran — his first Hindi film since 2010
- Raj B. Shetty — making his Bollywood debut
- Jitendra Joshi — powerful character role
Director and crew
- Director: Anurag Kashyap — the master of dark, gritty Indian cinema
- Written by: Sudip Sharma and Abhishek Banerjee
- Cinematography: Saiyed Shaaz Rizvi
- Editor: Aarti Bajaj
- Music: Amit Trivedi, Vishal Mishra, Payal Dev and others
- Score: Shivahari Varma
- Producer: Nikhil Dwivedi under Saffron Magicworks
- Distributor: Zee Studios
- Runtime: 140 minutes (2 hours 20 minutes)
- Languages: Hindi, Marathi, English
TIFF 2025 premiere — international recognition
Bandar premiered at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 6, 2025 — nearly 9 months before its India release. This is a massive deal. Very few Indian films make it to TIFF, and Bandar’s selection signals that this is not a typical Bollywood commercial entertainer. It is a serious, internationally recognised piece of cinema. The TIFF premiere gave the film significant credibility and built long-running buzz that has kept audiences waiting eagerly for the India release.
Bobby Deol’s career-best performance?
Bobby Deol’s comeback story is one of Bollywood’s most inspiring. After years of underwhelming films, Animal (2023) gave him a new image — cold, menacing, and completely commanding. Bandar takes that reinvention even further. Here, Bobby plays a vulnerable, broken, emotionally complex man — not a villain or an action hero. Early reviews are calling this his most layered and nuanced performance ever. If Animal was his resurrection, Bandar might be his masterpiece.
Anurag Kashyap + Bobby Deol — why this combination works
Anurag Kashyap is known for making films that are uncomfortable, complex, and brutally honest — Gangs of Wasseypur, Black Friday, Ugly, Mukkabaaz. Bobby Deol brings a star power and screen presence that grounds the film for mainstream audiences. Together, they have created something rare — a film with commercial appeal and serious artistic intent. The result is a film that works both as a gripping thriller and as a sharp social commentary.
Should you watch Bandar?
If you are a fan of Anurag Kashyap’s filmmaking — yes, absolutely. If you loved Animal and want to see Bobby Deol push himself even further — yes. If you enjoy dark, thought-provoking cinema that deals with real social issues — yes. Bandar is not a family entertainer. It is raw, intense, and deeply uncomfortable at times. But it is also one of the most important Indian films releasing this year. Watch it in theatres for the full experience.
- Genre: Crime Thriller / Drama
- Language: Hindi
- Release Date: June 5, 2026 — IN CINEMAS NOW
- Where to watch: All major multiplexes — PVR INOX, Cinepolis, Zee Studios screens
- International title: Monkey in a Cage
- OTT date: Not announced yet — update coming soon
- Our Rating: ⭐ 8.4 / 10 (Based on TIFF response and early reviews)
Frequently asked questions
What is Bandar movie about?
Bandar is a crime thriller about Samar Mehra, a fading TV star played by Bobby Deol, who is accused of rape by his ex-girlfriend. The film follows his harrowing journey through India’s prison and legal system while exploring themes of cancel culture, justice, and redemption. It is inspired by real-life events.
Who directed Bandar movie?
Bandar is directed by Anurag Kashyap — the acclaimed director behind Gangs of Wasseypur, Black Friday, and Ugly. This is his first collaboration with Bobby Deol.
Is Bandar based on a true story?
Yes — Bandar is inspired by real-life events. The film deals with themes of false accusation, cancel culture, and the #MeToo movement, all drawn from documented real-world incidents in the Indian entertainment industry.
Where was Bandar premiered first?
Bandar had its world premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2025 — nearly 9 months before its India theatrical release on June 5, 2026.
What is the OTT release date of Bandar?
The OTT streaming platform and date for Bandar have not been officially announced yet. Given that Zee Studios is the distributor, it may stream on Zee5 after the theatrical run. We will update this page as soon as the OTT date is confirmed.
What does Bandar mean in the film?
Bandar means “monkey” in Hindi. The film is released internationally as Monkey in a Cage — a metaphor for how the accused person feels trapped, watched, and judged from all sides — exactly like a caged animal on display.