Director Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Bandar’ offers a bleak examination of the criminal justice system, driven by a powerful central performance from Bobby Deol as a man struggling to survive after being accused of rape.
Written by Sudip Sharma and Abhishek Banerjee, the film follows Samar Mehra, a fading entertainer whose life unravels when a former girlfriend accuses him of sexual assault. As the case progresses, he becomes trapped in a legal and social system where the line between innocence and guilt appears increasingly blurred.
After his arrest, Samar is thrust into a hostile prison environment marked by violence, intimidation and uncertainty. Repeated bail rejections and growing public condemnation deepen his sense of isolation, while the film explores broader questions surrounding justice, privilege, public perception and the treatment of undertrial prisoners.
Deol has received widespread praise for his portrayal of a man confronting fear, confusion and emotional collapse. Despite shortcomings in the screenplay, his performance effectively captures the vulnerability and desperation of someone attempting to endure an unforgiving system.
Rather than offering definitive conclusions, Bandar invites audiences to consider whether society and legal institutions are sometimes too quick to judge those accused of serious crimes. The film leaves many of these questions unresolved, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions.
The narrative also charts Samar’s personal and professional decline. Financial difficulties, health problems and a fading public profile leave him increasingly exposed even before his arrest. His efforts to seek support from his girlfriend Khushi, played by Saba Azad, his sister Suhani, portrayed by Sanya Malhotra, and his lawyer Nitin, played by Riddhi Sen, provide little relief.
Much of the story unfolds inside an overcrowded prison, depicted as a place where survival depends on alliances and adapting to a harsh and often violent code. The prison sequences are strengthened by supporting performances from Raj B. Shetty, Natesh Hegde, Indrajith Sukumaran, Aamir Aziz and Sukant Goel, who add authenticity to the setting.
However, the film has faced criticism for its treatment of female characters. Although women play significant roles in the story, some critics argue that the narrative remains heavily focused on Samar’s perspective, leaving alternative viewpoints insufficiently explored.
The portrayal of the complainant has also drawn scrutiny, with reviewers suggesting that the film risks simplifying her character while placing greater emphasis on Samar’s suffering.
Despite its ambitious themes and strong cast, Bandar is hampered by uneven storytelling and inconsistent character development. While it succeeds in depicting the psychological and emotional toll of incarceration, its complex themes and mixed messaging prevent it from fully achieving its aims.
Even so, Deol’s performance stands out as the film’s greatest strength, elevating a prison drama that remains thought-provoking despite its flaws.
