Bandar reviewCast: Bobby Deol, Sapna Pabbi, Sanya MalhotraDirector: Anurag KashyapRating: 3.5 stars
There's a scene in Bandar where Sanya Malhotra's character breaks down during a jail visit to her brother, Samar (Bobby Deol), played by Bobby Deol. The rawness of her frustration, coupled with Sanya's convincing performance, makes the moment land with force and draws you in completely.
Anurag Kashyap's film, Bandar, is a compelling watch with several such moments. The story revolves around Samar, a singer-actor whose career is on the decline, who is suddenly arrested after a woman named Gayatri (Sapna Pabbi) files a rape complaint against him.
The film's subject feels especially relevant today, given the growing conversation around false accusations and the devastating impact they can have on the accused. The first half is taut, with every scene serving a purpose. Anurag keeps the storytelling grounded, resisting the temptation to exaggerate the situation.
The performances are top-notch across the board. Bobby Deol has the face for such a role, and Anurag extracts a strong performance out of him, especially in the jail sequences. Sanya Malhotra delivers a perfect performance, even with limited screen time. Sapna Pabbi is extremely effective as Gayatri, playing the character with conviction.
Despite losing some momentum in the latter half, Bandar remains an engaging watch. It succeeds because it stays focused on the human cost of an accusation and the circus that follows. In an era where public opinion often arrives before the facts, the film feels timely and relevant.
