If there is one film being discussed the most these days in the corridors of Indian cinema and on OTT platforms, then it is Bollywood's 'Lord Bobby' i.e. actor Bobby Deol's latest release film 'Bandar'. When this film was released in theatres, it had attracted the attention of the audience at the box office, but now as soon as it has been released on the OTT platform ZEE5, it has started a new debate everywhere from social media to social media. The story of the film, its sensitive subject matter and Bobby Deol's unmatched acting have shocked the audience. The kind of challenging and offbeat characters that Bobby Deol is choosing in this second phase of his career has once again brought him into the center of headlines. Let us know what is the story of this film, what pain has been portrayed by director Anurag Kashyap in it and what big revelations Bobby Deol has made about this project in Jagran Film Festival.
Ever since the OTT release of the film 'Bandar' (which is also known as 'Bandar: Monkey in a Cage' at many places), it has started trending on the internet. Over the past few years, Bobby Deol has greatly broadened his acting range and has brought alive complex characters ranging from negative to negative on screen. The film was released in theaters on June 5 and was released on the leading OTT platform ZEE5 on August 28. As soon as the film was released, a heated debate broke out between the audience and film critics on social media platforms. The director of the film is Anurag Kashyap, who is known for his frank and realistic stories. The script of this film is so deep and shocking that it does not remain just a crime thriller, but it directly puts many burning questions of the society in the dock.
The story of the film revolves around a 50-year-old man named Samar (Bobby Deol). Samar was once a well-known and popular face in the world of TV serials, but with time his stardom fades and he is forced to do small jobs like singing at weddings to earn a living. Samar is busy in the turmoil of his life when one day an earthquake comes in his life. When he is normally present at his home, suddenly the police reach his house and arrest him. When Samar is completely shocked and upset and comes to know that his girlfriend has made serious and heinous allegations like rape against him, the ground slips from under his feet.
Samar and his girlfriend met through a dating app. Girlfriend Gayatri, who is in the grief of mutual differences and breakup, is hurt by this, and on the other hand, Samar has a slightly indifferent attitude towards his relationships, due to which he does not remember anything clearly as to what led to such circumstances. Samar's sister Suhani Mehra (Sanya Malhotra) supports him in this difficult time and arranges for a lawyer so that her brother can be saved from this false trap. However, the journey inside the jail is more difficult than the legal battle. Behind the bars, Samar not only has to face physical and mental torture, but also has to face the factionalism and dreadful environment prevailing among the prisoners inside the jail. The main plot of the film focuses on how Samar struggles to get out of this invisible and complex maze.
During the recently held prestigious 'Jagran Film Festival 2026', when actor Bobby Deol was asked what kind of response his film 'Bandar' was getting from the audience on the OTT platform, he expressed his views very openly and heartfelt. During an exclusive conversation, Bobby Deol said, “Opportunities like this are very rare, and very few actors get to play such complex and unique characters. So as an actor, ever since I started my new career on OTT, I have always wanted to get such characters in which I can show the different shades and layers of my acting to the world.”
Bobby Deol further said, “I consider myself very lucky that I got the opportunity to work in a unique film like 'Bandar'. Playing a character that no one has even imagined, and especially when you get some success in it, your confidence increases and more such doors open up for you in the industry.” The helplessness of the character of Samar played by him in the film and the pain in his eyes tear the hearts of the audience, which is being appreciated everywhere.
The film 'Bandar' is not just a suspense thriller, but it deeply touches many sensitive social issues of the current times. The film highlights an aspect of the #MeToo movement that debates the possibility of false or baseless allegations, while also showing how it is important to provide justice to real victims and follow due process of law. Furthermore, the film depicts an extremely scary and realistic portrayal of the inhumane and miserable conditions inside Indian prisons. Director Anurag Kashyap has brought the factionalism, corruption and mental torture among the prisoners on screen without any artificiality. This is the reason that after watching this film, the audience is not able to easily get up from the cinema hall or their screen, rather they are forced to think deeply.
Overall, 'Bandar' is such a cinematic offering that will shake you. If you missed this film in theatres, now you have a golden opportunity to watch it on OTT platform ZEE5. The film's tight script, Anurag Kashyap's impeccable direction, Sanya Malhotra's impressive acting and especially Bobby Deol's sweet and mature acting make it one of the most talked about films of this year. This film, along with entertainment, forces you to think about what is the real definition of justice, truth and human relationships.