Bandar
The brief
Kashyap returns to his gritty form with a slow-burn legal thriller that puts Bobby Deol through an emotional wringer as a TV actor caught in a nightmare spiral of false accusations and institutional corruption. The film moves at a deliberate pace that lets the paranoia and helplessness build under your skin, while Sanya Malhotra delivers sharp work as the new girlfriend watching everything fall apart. At 140 minutes, it occasionally drags in the middle act, but Kashyap's unflinching look at how quickly someone's life can unravel keeps you glued to the screen. Perfect for fans of Ugly or anyone who appreciated the moral complexity of Pink.
The verdict
If you have the patience for slow-burn psychological thrillers and appreciate Anurag Kashyap's dark, paranoid storytelling style, this is a gripping watch that will get under your skin. If you prefer fast-paced legal dramas or get restless during deliberate character studies, the 140-minute runtime and methodical pacing will likely test your patience.
Watch with
- 👤 Solo viewing for full immersion
- ⚠️ Avoid with those sensitive to SA themes
Heads up
- Sexual assault accusations and discussions (frequent)
- Corrupt justice system themes (moderate)
- Emotional manipulation and gaslighting (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Anurag Kashyap
- Cast
- Bobby Deol, Sanya Malhotra, Saba Azad, Sapna Pabbi, Jitendra Joshi, Indrajith Sukumaran, Raj B Shetty
Official synopsis
TV star Samar's life spirals when his ex Gayatri accuses him of rape after he blocks contact with her. Despite his new relationship with Khushi, he faces arrest and encounters a corrupt justice system.
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Disclosure Day (2026)
Both examine men facing false accusations within corrupt systems.
Total runtime: 2h 20m + 2h 25m = 4h 45m
