Anurag Kashyap’s Bandar has sparked mixed reactions among viewers, with many praising its raw prison setting and powerful performances while feeling that the film struggles to fully deliver on its complex themes.
Starring Bobby Deol in the lead role, the ZEE5 release explores the dark realities of the justice system, undertrial prisoners and the blurred line between guilt and innocence.
The film follows Samar Mehra, a former entertainer whose life falls apart after he is accused of rape by an ex-girlfriend.
Thrown into a harsh prison environment, Samar faces humiliation, violence and a system that appears more focused on punishment than finding the truth. Bobby Deol plays the emotionally broken protagonist with intensity and shows the character’s gradual mental and physical collapse.
Many reactions on social media highlighted Bobby’s performance as the biggest strength of the film. One viewer gave Bandar 3.5 out of 5 stars, calling it thoroughly engaging from start to end and comparing its themes to films like Section 375 and Jail. The reaction praised the entire cast, especially Bobby and Sanya Malhotra, but felt the film’s ending left the story incomplete.
Several viewers appreciated the film’s realistic portrayal of prison life. One user described it as a gritty and uncomfortable watch, praising the jail sequences for their authenticity. However, the same viewer felt the film lacked depth in its storytelling and questioned Bobby Deol’s casting, saying the actor’s performance did not completely connect with them.
Another viewer praised Bobby as the highlight of the film, calling him “grandstand” and appreciating how the film stays with the audience even after it ends. However, they felt the prison sequences occupied too much of the runtime and that the portions outside jail were more engaging.
Apart from Bobby Deol, Indrajith Sukumaran and Raj B Shetty received strong appreciation for their performances. Many viewers felt they unexpectedly became standout performers in the film.
While Bandar has been appreciated for its atmosphere, performances and willingness to explore a sensitive subject, audiences remain divided over its execution. For many, it is worth watching for Bobby Deol’s powerful act and its realistic depiction of the prison system, even if the narrative feels uneven.
