Anurag Kashyap Discusses Controversy Surrounding 'Bandar'

Anurag Kashyap recently addressed the backlash surrounding his film 'Bandar', admitting that the theatrical release did not reflect his final vision. In a candid conversation with comedian Kunal Kamra, he expressed his inability to defend the film due to significant edits made during post-production. Kashyap highlighted the challenges filmmakers face in retaining creative control in an increasingly corporatized industry, where studios often dictate the final cut. His insights shed light on the evolving landscape of Bollywood and the impact of editorial decisions on a film's reception.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 23, 2026, 16:21 IST

Anurag Kashyap Addresses Criticism of 'Bandar'

Renowned Bollywood filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is known for his candidness both in his art and public statements. Recently, he tackled the backlash regarding his film Bandar, acknowledging that he cannot fully claim responsibility for the version that was released in theaters. The film, which debuted in June 2026 and stars Bobby Deol, faced scrutiny for its portrayal of sexual assault. In a discussion with comedian Kunal Kamra, Kashyap admitted that the theatrical release did not represent his intended final cut and conceded that many critiques aimed at the film were warranted.

Anurag Kashyap Cannot Fully Claim 'Bandar'

During his chat on Kunal Kamra's YouTube channel, Kashyap explained why he chose not to promote Bandar actively. He urged viewers not to watch the film, stating, "When I said don't watch, it's because I can't own up… I refrained from giving interviews because the version that was released is not my final cut. Therefore, the criticisms directed at the film are quite valid." The director expressed his inability to counter the criticisms leveled against the movie.

Editing Altered the Film's Message: Anurag Kashyap

Kashyap elaborated that his concerns stemmed not from the scenes he filmed but from what was cut during post-production. He believes these edits significantly changed the film's intended message and perspective. He remarked, "Cinematically, everything else is pretty much mine… but they altered it by removing certain elements." He acknowledged that while the footage that made it to the final cut was his, the omissions had a profound impact on the film's outcome.

Kashyap believes that these editorial decisions changed how audiences perceived the film and the nature of the criticism it received, making it challenging for him to defend the final product. He also reflected on the evolution of the film industry, noting that directors today have significantly less creative control compared to the past. He attributed this shift to increasing corporatization, which complicates filmmakers' ability to maintain their artistic vision, especially when projects encounter delays and rising production costs. He pointed out that despite contractual agreements, studios often dictate the final version of a film, leaving directors with minimal influence over the end result.