Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Anurag Kashyap's Bandar Thriller Drama To Premiere On ZEE5
Bandar is a new crime thriller directed by Anurag Kashyap.
It will be available on ZEE5 from August 28.
Bobby Deol plays a television actor named Samar Mehra.
Samar’s life changes after his former girlfriend accuses him of rape.
The story shows how people and the media judge him.
It also follows his difficult experience in an overcrowded prison for people awaiting trial.
The film was first shown at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.
Some viewers criticized how it handled the sexual assault allegation, and Kashyap said some of that criticism was fair.
Bandar will premiere on ZEE5 on August 28.
Anurag Kashyap directed the crime thriller, internationally titled Monkey in a Cage.
Bobby Deol plays Samar Mehra, a fading television star accused of rape by his ex-girlfriend.
The film explores public judgment, media trials, and life in an overcrowded undertrial prison.
Bandar received mixed reactions, while Kashyap said criticism of its perspective was valid.
- Who
- Director Anurag Kashyap and actor Bobby Deol are central to the film; Deol plays Samar Mehra.
- What
- Bandar, a crime thriller also titled Monkey in a Cage internationally, will premiere on ZEE5.
- When
- The streaming premiere is scheduled for August 28; the film previously premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival and had a theatrical release on June 5.
- Where
- The film will premiere on the ZEE5 streaming platform and previously screened at the Toronto International Film Festival.
- Why
- The film depicts public judgment, media trials, and a television star’s descent into an overcrowded undertrial prison after a rape accusation.
Criticism Of The Film
Director's Response
Portrayal of the allegation
Criticism Of The Film
The film drew criticism for its handling and portrayal of a sexual assault allegation, including concerns about its perspective.
Director's Response
Anurag Kashyap said that much of the criticism directed at the film’s perspective was valid.
Release version
Criticism Of The Film
The theatrical release was the version that attracted criticism from viewers and critics.
Director's Response
Kashyap said the theatrical release was not his final cut.
- Streaming platform
- ZEE5
- Premiere date
- August 28
- Director
- Anurag Kashyap
- Lead actor
- Bobby Deol
- Character
- Samar Mehra
- International title
- Monkey in a Cage
- Festival premiere
- 2025 Toronto International Film Festival