Bobby Deol Trapped in a Cage of Accusations! Why Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Bandar’ Leaves You Uncomfortable

Ananya soch: Anurag Kashyap’s Bandar (Monkey in a Cage) goes far beyond the boundaries of a conventional Courtroom Drama. The film explores the uncomfortable space between accusation and truth while touching upon #MeToo, media trials, police investigation, relationships and the prison system.

Released in theatres in June 2026, the film is now available for streaming on ZEE5. From its opening moments, Bandar creates an uneasy atmosphere and keeps the audience questioning what they are actually seeing.

The story follows Samar Mehra (Bobby Deol), a former television actor and singer whose career has faded with time. His life takes a dramatic turn after he meets Gayatri (Sapna Pabbi) through a dating app and is subsequently accused of rape.

What begins as an allegation soon turns into a nightmare involving police custody, court proceedings and prison. Samar gradually finds himself trapped inside a system where public opinion can become as powerful as the legal process.

The film does not offer easy answers. Instead of presenting one side as completely innocent and the other as entirely guilty, the writers maintain a Grey Narrative. This makes the story more unpredictable and gives the audience room to form its own opinion.

Bobby Deol’s Performance Steals the Show

The biggest reason to watch Bandar is undoubtedly Bobby Deol’s Acting. He portrays Samar’s arrogance, vulnerability, fear, anger and psychological breakdown with impressive control.

His body language and expressions become particularly powerful during the prison sequences. In several moments, his silence communicates more than words could.

Sanya Malhotra, Sapna Pabbi and Saba Azad also contribute effectively, while the supporting cast adds realism to the police and prison portions.

Raw Direction, Strong Atmosphere

Anurag Kashyap keeps the film raw, dark and gritty rather than turning it into a conventional commercial thriller. The Cinematography, Production Design and Background Score successfully create a claustrophobic atmosphere.

However, the film is not without flaws. The prison section feels stretched at certain points, affecting the overall Pacing. Viewers looking for fast-paced entertainment may find the narrative slow.

Ananya Soch Media Group Review

Bandar is not a film designed for casual entertainment. It is an Intense and Thought-Provoking Movie that deliberately makes the viewer uncomfortable and raises difficult questions about truth, perception and justice.

Bobby Deol delivers the film’s strongest performance, while Anurag Kashyap’s distinctive Direction gives the story a gritty identity.

Ananya Soch Media Group Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/5

Verdict: Not perfect, but definitely worth considering for viewers who enjoy Dark, Intense and Unconventional Cinema. Bandar may end on screen, but its questions continue long after the credits roll.