Bandar Movie Review

Our Rating: 7/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Anurag Kashyap’s Bandar arrived in theatres on 5 June 2026 with considerable curiosity surrounding it. The film marks Kashyap’s first collaboration with Bobby Deol and has been promoted as a dark crime thriller inspired by real-life events.

The movie also generated attention ahead of release due to its mature themes and A certification. Early audience discussions on X suggest that Bandar is receiving a mixed-to-positive response. Many viewers appreciate its serious storytelling, layered characters, and the attempt to tackle uncomfortable themes.

At the same time, some moviegoers feel the film’s slow pace and heavy narrative may not appeal to everyone. The story follows Samar Mehra, a fading television star whose life takes a dramatic turn after a serious accusation from someone connected to his past.

As legal troubles, media attention, and personal conflicts begin to close in, Samar finds himself fighting both public perception and his own mistakes. The film unfolds as a tense drama rather than a conventional commercial thriller, focusing more on character psychology than action-driven entertainment.

Among audience reactions on X, Bobby Deol’s performance is easily the most discussed aspect. Many viewers feel he delivers one of the strongest performances of his recent career, portraying a flawed and vulnerable character with conviction. Several posts also praise Sanya Malhotra and the supporting cast for adding depth to the story.

The film’s atmosphere, writing, and Kashyap’s direction have earned appreciation from viewers who enjoy realistic and gritty cinema. Some audiences have highlighted the film’s courtroom and investigative elements as engaging, while others have praised the way the story avoids easy answers.

However, not all reactions have been positive. A common criticism is the film’s deliberate pacing. Some viewers on X describe parts of the second half as stretched, while others feel the narrative becomes too dense at times. A few audience members also believe the movie’s serious tone leaves little room for emotional relief, making it a demanding watch.

The overall sentiment online appears balanced rather than overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Viewers looking for thoughtful, character-driven storytelling seem to be responding positively, while those expecting a fast-paced commercial thriller may come away less satisfied.

Bandar is best suited for audiences who enjoy crime dramas, social commentary, and Anurag Kashyap’s style of filmmaking. The film relies heavily on performances, dialogue, and moral complexity rather than traditional Bollywood entertainment.

Its strengths lie in its acting, mature storytelling, and tension-filled atmosphere. Its weaknesses include uneven pacing and a narrative that may feel too heavy for casual viewers. For cinema lovers who appreciate serious dramas, Bandar is worth watching on the big screen. Those who generally prefer lighter entertainers may find waiting for its streaming release a more comfortable option.

Final Verdict: Bandar is a serious and thought-provoking crime thriller that benefits greatly from Bobby Deol’s performance and Anurag Kashyap’s direction. While its slow pace may not work for everyone, it offers enough substance and strong performances to make it a worthwhile watch for fans of realistic cinema.

Disclaimer: This review is based on publicly available audience reactions and discussions on X at the time of writing. Individual opinions may vary.