Anurag Kashyap’s crime drama Bandar, starring Bobby Deol in the lead role, is finally making its way to streaming. The film, which sparked strong reactions during its theatrical run, will premiere on ZEE5 on August 28, 2026. Viewers who missed it in cinemas can now watch the movie from home.
The film explores the #MeTooForMen discourse through the story of a man whose life falls apart after a serious accusation. It questions how public opinion and media attention can shape a person’s fate before the truth comes out.
Bandar Streaming Details: Where and When to Watch
Bandar will start streaming on ZEE5 from August 28, 2026. The platform announced the digital premiere on Thursday, confirming that the film will be available for subscribers to watch online.
The movie originally hit theatres across India on June 5, 2026. Its theatrical run was limited, and the film struggled to get enough screens in many parts of the country. Now, the OTT release gives the film a second chance to reach a larger audience.
What Is Bandar About? The Story Behind the Controversy
Bandar follows Samar Mehra, a former television actor and pop star played by Bobby Deol. Samar is a 50-year-old man whose career is fading. After a difficult breakup with his former girlfriend Gayatri, he faces a serious allegation from her.
The accusation quickly attracts media attention. Public opinion turns against Samar. He maintains he is innocent, but the legal battle and social judgement take over his life. As the story moves forward, Samar ends up in prison, where he faces harsh conditions and hostility from other inmates. His focus shifts from clearing his name to simply surviving.
The film does not give a clear answer about whether Samar is guilty or innocent. Instead, it shows how an accusation can destroy a person’s life, regardless of the truth. The movie raises uncomfortable questions about consent, victimhood, and how public opinion works in cases involving serious allegations.
Bobby Deol and Anurag Kashyap Open Up About the Film
Bobby Deol called Bandar one of the most challenging projects of his career. He said the role pushed him far outside his comfort zone.
“The character demanded a lot from me, not just as an actor, but as a person. I had to let go of my inhibitions, trust the process, and fully surrender to Anurag’s vision. What I love about Anurag’s storytelling is that he never takes the obvious route.”
Deol also shared that playing Samar was both difficult and freeing at the same time. He said the film holds a special place in his heart and expressed hope that the ZEE5 release will help the movie find the audience it deserves.
Director Anurag Kashyap explained why he wanted to tell this story. He said the film asks a question that society often avoids.
“What drew me to this story was its willingness to ask difficult questions, including one that society is often uncomfortable confronting: can men be victims too?”
Kashyap added that the film challenges viewers to look beyond simple right-or-wrong narratives and consider the grey areas that exist in real life. He said the story remains relevant and worthy of discussion, no matter how the film performed in theatres.
Cast and Crew of Bandar
Bandar features a strong ensemble cast. Alongside Bobby Deol, the film stars Sanya Malhotra, Sapna Pabbi, and Saba Azad in key roles. Other cast members include Indrajith Sukumaran, Raj B. Shetty, Jitendra Joshi, Riddhi Sen, and Nagesh Bhonsle.
Anurag Kashyap directed the film and also co-produced it. The screenplay was written by Sudip Sharma (known for Paatal Lok and Kohrra) and Abhishek Banerjee. Sakshi Mehta served as the co-director.
The music for Bandar came from a team of composers including Amit Trivedi, Vishal Mishra, Sapan-Jagmohan, Payal Dev-Aditya Dev, Sickflip, Blurface, and Shivahari Varma. Saiyed Shaaz Rizvi handled the cinematography, and Aarti Bajaj edited the film. The runtime is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Why Bandar Divided Audiences
Bandar created strong reactions when it released in theatres. Some viewers called it a brave attempt to highlight the struggles of men who face false accusations. They praised the film for starting an important conversation about a topic that is often ignored.
Others felt the film downplayed the struggles women face. They argued that the narrative could be seen as suggesting men have it “just as bad,” which they believed undermined the seriousness of real cases of sexual violence.
The film’s theatrical performance was not strong. It earned less than ₹5 crore worldwide during its run. It also faced problems getting enough screens in many parts of India.
Despite the mixed reactions and box office numbers, the film received praise from many critics. Several reviewers described Bobby Deol’s performance as one of the best of his career. The writing and the film’s willingness to tackle a difficult subject without giving easy answers also earned positive reviews.
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What Viewers Can Expect from the OTT Release
The digital premiere on ZEE5 gives Bandar a new life. Viewers who missed the theatrical run can now watch the film and decide for themselves. The streaming release also allows the film to reach audiences beyond India, including viewers in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and other countries where ZEE5 is available.
The film’s controversial subject matter means it will likely continue to spark discussion after its OTT release. The ambiguous ending leaves the truth about the case unresolved, which may lead to more debate among viewers.
Bandar is a crime drama thriller that deals with heavy themes. It is not a light watch. The film asks difficult questions about justice, media trials, and how society treats people who are accused of serious crimes.
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