Kashyap’s Bandar Locks May 22 for Global Release After TIFF Success
After the OTT release of Kennedy, Anurag Kashyap is all set to storm cinemas this summer with his much talked about drama Bandar, headlined by Bobby Doel. After earning critical acclaim at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, the film is finally gearing up for a worldwide theatrical release on May 22, 2026.
The announcement has sparked major excitement across the industry, with Kashyap’s signature raw storytelling, this film promises to ignite intense conversations with its theatrical hit.
The makers have officially locked May 22, 2026, as the global theatrical release date. The film will release across India and key international markets simultaneously, building on the strong momentum it generated during its international festival run.
Interestingly, Bandar will arrive in theatres alongside Milap Zaveri’s Tera Yaar Hoon Main. However, industry insiders suggest there is unlikely to be a direct box office clash, as both films belong to distinctly different genres and cater to separate audience demographics.
Cast: A Powerful Ensemble Comes Together
While Bobby Deol headlines the film, Bandar boasts a compelling ensemble cast that adds depth and gravitas to the narrative. The lineup includes:
- Sanya Malhotra
- Raj B. Shetty
- Jitendra Joshi
- Sapna Pabbi
- Indrajith Sukumaran
- Riddhi Sen
- Nagesh Bhosle
The film is produced by Nikhil Dwivedi and backed by Zee Studios, a collaboration that adds substantial production scale to Kashyap’s gritty vision.
Storyline: Fame, Allegations and a Broken System
Bandar follows the life of Samar, portrayed by Bobby Deol, a former television superstar whose glory days are fading. As his fame declines, Samar attempts to rebuild his personal life and finds happiness in a new relationship with a younger woman, Khushi.
However, his past resurfaces when his ex-partner, Gayatri, re-enters his life. Instead of addressing unresolved issues, Samar chooses to block her completely, emotionally and digitally. What follows is a dramatic spiral when Gayatri files a serious allegation against him.
Samar is arrested and thrown into a corrupt and unforgiving legal system that appears determined to crush him. The film reportedly explores themes of public shaming, media trials, toxic celebrity culture, and the moral complexities of consent and accountability.
Known for his unfiltered storytelling, Anurag Kashyap is expected to present a layered, morally ambiguous narrative rather than a simplistic courtroom drama.
TIFF 2025: Critical Acclaim and International Buzz
Bandar had its world premiere in the Special Presentations section at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025. The screening reportedly received strong reactions from critics and festival audiences alike.
International reviews described the film as:
- “Hard-hitting and unflinching”
- “Emotionally devastating yet socially urgent”
- “A career-defining performance for Bobby Deol”
Festival buzz has significantly boosted the film’s global visibility, positioning it as a serious awards contender in multiple territories.
Screenplay & Creative Team: A Proven Collaboration
The screenplay for Bandar has been developed by Sudip Sharma and Abhishek Banerjee. Sudip Sharma is widely known as the creator of acclaimed web series like Pataal Lok and Kohrra.
Sharma and Banerjee previously collaborated with Kashyap on projects including Udta Punjab, which was celebrated for its bold storytelling and social commentary.
Importantly, Bandar is based on Anurag Kashyap’s unpublished story, making it a deeply personal project for the filmmaker.
Anurag Kashyap’s 2026 Comeback Year
With Bandar, Anurag Kashyap is set for one of his most active years in recent memory. His much-delayed thriller Kennedy recently premiered for Indian audiences on ZEE5, finally finding a wider audience after its festival run.
Bandar now marks his second major release cycle, signaling a renewed phase in Kashyap’s career, balancing festival acclaim with mainstream reach.
Bobby Deol’s Career Renaissance Continues
For Bobby Deol, Bandar represents yet another bold step in his career reinvention. After reinventing his image with darker and more layered roles, the actor has successfully balanced commercial blockbusters and content-driven cinema by recently appearing in Animal and Kanguva.
In 2026, Deol is also reportedly attached to:
- Jana Nayagan, starring Vijay
- Alpha, part of the YRF Spy Universe alongside Alia Bhatt and Sharvari
While the release dates of these projects remain uncertain, Bandar could become the actor’s most critically celebrated performance yet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is Bandar releasing worldwide?
Bandar releases globally in theatres on May 22, 2026.
2. What is the name of the next movie by Anurag Kashyap?
Bandar
3. Who plays the lead role in Bandar?
Bobby Deol plays the protagonist, Samar.
4. Where did Bandar premiere?
It premiered at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival in 2025.
5. Who are the supporting cast members?
The film features Sanya Malhotra, Raj B. Shetty, Indrajith Sukumaran, and others.
6. Has the trailer of Bandar been released?
The trailer release date has not yet been officially announced.
7. Will Bandar release on OTT?
An OTT release is expected after its theatrical run, but no platform has been confirmed yet.
Final Verdict: Can Bandar be a Bangar?
With a gripping premise, international acclaim, and a strong creative team, Bandar is shaping up to be one of 2026’s most talked-about theatrical releases. Whether it dominates the box office or sparks polarising debates, one thing is certain, it will not go unnoticed.
As May 22 approaches, the countdown to what could be Anurag Kashyap’s most controversial and powerful film in years has officially begun.
