Bandar

About The Movie:

The story follows Samar, an ageing & now almost out-of-work artist whose fame is fading. His life takes a dark turn when his fling, Gayatri, accuses him of rape after he cuts off contact with her. Even as Samar tries to move on with his new relationship with another woman, he is arrested and drawn into a deeply flawed law enforcement system.

Critics Review :Anurag Kashyap’s Bandar, co-written by Sudip Sharma and Abhishek Banerjee, is a thought-provoking and deeply uncomfortable film that explores the complexities of gender, power, privilege, and accountability in the post-#MeToo era. Rather than offering clear-cut answers, the film places viewers in a moral dilemma: should they believe a once-successful entertainer accused of rape, or the woman who claims to be his victim?

Drawing inspiration from a real-life case, Bandar challenges audiences to confront difficult questions about consent, privilege, and the social realities faced by both the accused and the accuser. At a time when many public figures accused during the #MeToo movement have largely returned to their careers while several women continue to face professional and personal consequences, the film’s subject matter feels particularly relevant.

At the center of the story is Samar Malhotra, played by Bobby Deol in what is arguably one of the strongest performances of his career. Samar is not portrayed as a straightforward villain or an innocent victim. Instead, he is a flawed, entitled, and emotionally careless man whose actions and choices leave lasting consequences. Deol brings nuance to a character who constantly forces the audience to question their own judgments.

The film creates a powerful emotional conflict. On one side is Samar, who endures the brutal realities of prison life—overcrowded cells, degrading conditions, intimidation, and violence. On the other is a vulnerable woman seeking validation and connection after an encounter that she believes crossed a line. This tension keeps the audience suspended between sympathy and anger throughout much of the narrative.

The supporting cast delivers strong performances across the board. Sapna Pabbi effectively portrays the woman whose allegations set the story in motion, while Sanya Malhotra shines as Samar’s increasingly conflicted sister. Riddhi Sen brings sincerity to the role of a determined lawyer, and Saba Azad adds emotional depth as Samar’s romantic interest.

Where Bandar succeeds most is in its examination of ingrained gender biases and societal attitudes. Small but revealing moments—a police officer reacting to the contents of Samar’s phone, a former partner expressing her discomfort through a letter, and Samar’s own inability to recognize his privilege—highlight the film’s sharp observations about masculinity and power.

However, the film shifts gears in its latter half, evolving into a dark prison drama. While these sequences are gripping and supported by strong performances from Indrajith Sukumaran, Raj B. Shetty, Natesh Hegde, and Sukant Goel, they also risk generating disproportionate sympathy for Samar. In doing so, the film occasionally reveals where its emotional loyalties may lie, potentially weakening the ambiguity it works so hard to establish.

Despite these reservations, Bandar stands as Anurag Kashyap’s most compelling work in recent years. Its raw, stripped-down storytelling style complements a narrative that refuses to categorize its protagonist as entirely guilty or entirely innocent. The film’s unconventional climax and its willingness to provoke debate ensure that it remains relevant long after the credits roll.

Bandar is not an easy watch, nor is it designed to be. Instead, it is a challenging and conversation-starting drama that examines the gray areas of human behavior, accountability, and justice in contemporary society.

Rating: 3/5 Stars

Cast:

Bobby Deol, Sapna Pabbi, Sanya Malhotra, Saba Azad, Jitendra Joshi, Raj B Shetty, Riddhi Sen

Director:

Anurag Kashyap