Bandar

Bandar (Monkey in a Cage) — Release Date: 22 May 2026. Directed by Anurag Kashyap, starring Bobby Deol, Sanya Malhotra, Saba Azad and Sapna Pabbi. Produced by Nikhil Dwivedi under Saffron Magicworks in association with Zee Studios, the film is a Hindi-language crime thriller inspired by real-life events.

The narrative centers on Samar, an aging television star whose once-dominant fame is steadily fading. As his celebrity declines, Samar finds emotional stability in a new relationship with Khushi, a younger woman who becomes a significant presence in his life. However, unresolved tensions from his past resurface when his former partner, Gayatri, attempts to reconnect. Samar chooses to distance himself, cutting off communication and blocking her from his life. The situation escalates when Gayatri publicly accuses him of rape, triggering legal consequences that rapidly alter his circumstances.

The film explores themes of power, reputation, public image, and vulnerability within the entertainment industry. As Samar is arrested and entangled in a legal system portrayed as flawed and adversarial, the narrative shifts into a courtroom-driven thriller. The story examines how personal histories, media narratives, and institutional processes intersect under intense public scrutiny.

Written by Sudip Sharma and Abhishek Banerjee, the screenplay is adapted from an unpublished story developed by Anurag Kashyap in collaboration with co-writers. The film’s tone aligns with Kashyap’s established approach to crime dramas, focusing on character psychology and moral ambiguity rather than conventional heroism.

Principal photography began on 14 May 2024 in Mumbai. The ensemble cast includes Indrajith Sukumaran, Joju George, Raj B. Shetty, Riddhi Sen, and others in supporting roles. Bandar (Monkey in a Cage) had its world premiere in the Special Presentations section of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on 6 September 2025. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on 22 May 2026.