Exploring Justice in Anurag Kashyap's Upcoming Film 'Bandar'

Anurag Kashyap's upcoming film 'Bandar' tackles pressing issues surrounding justice and gender. Starring Bobby Deol as an aging TV star accused of rape, the film explores the complexities of legal proceedings in light of real-life events. Producer Nikhil Dwivedi emphasizes that the film is not anti-women but rather a pro-justice narrative. With a strong cast and a world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, 'Bandar' promises to shed light on the struggles within India's prison system and the quest for justice. Read on to learn more about this thought-provoking film.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 29, 2026, 23:50 IST

An Insight into 'Bandar'

Directed by Anurag Kashyap, the anticipated film Bandar delves into significant themes. Starring Bobby Deol, the narrative follows an aging television star who faces serious allegations of rape from a former partner, leading to a tumultuous turn in his life. During a discussion with the Editor-in-Chief of a prominent media group, producer Nikhil Dwivedi and Bobby Deol addressed the film's themes, particularly in light of the tragic case of Twisha Sharma, a young woman found dead in Bhopal. Her husband and mother-in-law are currently in custody amid claims of torture and dowry demands. Dwivedi emphasized that the film does not aim to vilify women but rather seeks to explore the workings of justice.

Nikhil Dwivedi on Justice and Gender

Nikhil Dwivedi states his film Bandar believes in justice

In an interview on The Newshour at 9, Nikhil shared that the script, co-written by Sudip Sharma and Abhishek Banerjee, holds personal significance for him. He remarked, "The subject was, and the people who got involved eventually became close to my heart." When questioned about the portrayal of men in the film, he clarified, "Our film is not against women. We have been closely following the situation with Twisha. It’s tragic and requires thorough investigation. If a crime has occurred, justice must be served. This is not an anti-women film; it is a pro-justice film. We must prioritize justice over gender bias, which is fundamental to our constitution and democracy."

More about Bandar

The cast of Bandar includes Sanya Malhotra, Sapna Pabbi, Saba Azad, Indrajith Sukumaran, Raj B. Shetty, and Jitendra Joshi. The Hindi film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025, as part of the Special Presentations Program. The English title, Monkey in a Cage, is inspired by a real-life incident that Nikhil brought to Anurag Kashyap’s attention. Additionally, Bandar portrays the harsh realities faced by inmates in India’s prison system as they await their trials.