The “Deol-naissance” is reaching its fever pitch. In a move that has sent cinephiles and industry insiders into a frenzy, the makers of the highly anticipated film Bandar have officially locked in their release date. Starring a revitalized Bobby Deol in what is being described as his most challenging role to date, the film is set to storm theaters worldwide on May 22, 2026.
Directed by the maverick of Indian noir, Anurag Kashyap, Bandar represents a collision of two distinct cinematic worlds: the high-octane mass appeal of Bobby Deol and the gritty, unapologetic realism of the Kashyap school of filmmaking.
While the plot remains shrouded in secrecy, the title itself has sparked intense speculation. In typical Kashyap fashion, Bandar (Monkey) is rumoured to be a biting social satire wrapped in a layer of dark, visceral crime drama. Set against the backdrop of an evolving Indian heartland, the film reportedly follows the chaotic trajectory of a man pushed to the brink of his humanity.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal proved that the audience craves the raw, unhinged version of Bobby Deol. In Bandar, Kashyap intends to strip away the glamour, presenting “Lord Bobby” in a rustic, rugged, and perhaps morally ambiguous avatar that will challenge his previous portrayals.
One of the biggest selling points for Bandar is its formidable writing team. The screenplay is penned by Sudip Sharma, the mastermind behind the critically acclaimed Paatal Lok and the gritty NH10. Joining him is the multi-talented Abhishek Banerjee, who has evolved from a top-tier casting director to a powerhouse actor and writer.
The synergy between Sharma’s penchant for deep-rooted societal rot and Banerjee’s knack for quirky yet terrifying realism suggests that Bandar will be far more than just a standard thriller. The script reportedly took over two years to finalize, ensuring a narrative that is both tight and provocative.
While Bobby Deol leads the charge, he is backed by a stellar ensemble of actors known for their craft:
- Sanya Malhotra: Fresh off her recent successes, Malhotra is expected to play a pivotal, high-stakes role that serves as the moral compass of the film.
- Saba Azad: Known for her eclectic performances and musical prowess, Azad brings a unique energy to the cast, marking her first collaboration with Kashyap.
- Sapna Pabbi: The 24 and Inside Edge star adds further glamour and grit to the lineup.
The film also features a host of seasoned character actors, a staple in any Anurag Kashyap production, ensuring that every frame is populated with authentic, scene-stealing talent.
Bandar is produced on a massive scale by Zee Studios, a production house that has consistently dominated the 2025-2026 box office. Partnering with them are Nikhil Dwivedi, Gaurie Pandit, and Shivie Pandit.
Nikhil Dwivedi, who has successfully transitioned into a powerhouse producer with projects like Veere Di Wedding and Nagin, has reportedly spared no expense in giving Kashyap the canvas required for his vision. The film was shot across multiple live locations to maintain the “Kashyap aesthetic,” avoiding the artificiality of studio sets whenever possible.
The combination of “Anurag Kashyap” and “Bobby Deol” is currently one of the most searched pairings in Indian cinema. By scheduling the release for May 22, Zee Studios is eyeing the lucrative summer vacation window, positioning Bandar as the definitive “adult thriller” of the season.
With the teaser expected to drop in late 2025, the digital momentum for Bandar is only set to grow. For fans of gritty cinema, the wait until May 2026 may feel long, but if history is any indication, a Kashyap-Deol collaboration will be well worth the patience.
