Bandar finally arrived in cinemas on June 5, 2026, after a lengthy wait. The film generated attention before release due to its trailer and censorship-related discussions. Although reviews have largely been positive, that appreciation has not translated into strong box office collections so far.
Screen allocation issues appear to have affected the film from the beginning. Bandar reportedly opened with around Rs. 50 lakhs on its first day and earned approximately Rs. 80 lakhs over the following two days. Its weekend total reached nearly Rs. 2.10 crores.
These numbers have surprised trade experts and cinema observers. Many expected better performance because Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai was not considered a major competitor to Bobby Deol and Anurag Kashyap’s film. While some morning shows of Varun’s movie were reportedly cancelled, Bandar managed to record decent occupancy in selected theatres.
For years, audiences have criticised Bollywood for not producing enough quality content. However, Bandar presents a different situation. Despite receiving positive reviews from critics and viewers, the film has struggled to attract enough people to theatres.
Anurag Kashyap was once regarded as a strong brand among cinema lovers. Over time, changing audience preferences and the increasing commercialisation of Hindi cinema have altered the landscape. Following the pandemic, many viewers have also developed the perception that Anurag Kashyap’s films are better suited for OTT platforms.
The crowded release calendar has further complicated matters. Bandar was already dealing with limited screens, and the arrival of multiple films around the same period appears to have reduced its visibility among general audiences.
Ticket pricing is another challenge being discussed. Many moviegoers prefer watching films with friends or family, but rising entertainment costs often force them to choose only one film among several available options.
The performance of Bandar has once again raised questions about the theatrical market for content-driven films. With several major releases scheduled in the coming weeks, it remains to be seen whether the film can gain momentum or add another commercial disappointment to Anurag Kashyap’s record.
