Director Anurag Kashyap’s Bandar presents a dark and unsettling look at the criminal justice system, anchored by a compelling performance from Bobby Deol as a man trapped in a harsh prison environment after being accused of rape.
Written by Sudip Sharma and Abhishek Banerjee, the film follows Samar Mehra, a fading entertainer whose life spirals out of control after a former girlfriend accuses him of sexual assault.
The film explores themes of justice, privilege, public perception and the treatment of undertrial prisoners. Once arrested, Samar finds himself caught in a system where innocence and guilt become increasingly difficult to distinguish. His struggle intensifies as he faces a hostile prison environment, repeated bail rejections and widespread social condemnation.
Deol’s portrayal of Samar has been widely praised for capturing the character’s emotional breakdown and vulnerability. Despite weaknesses in the screenplay, the actor effectively conveys the fear, confusion and desperation of a man trying to survive within a brutal system.
The story raises questions about whether society and the legal system are too quick to judge those accused of serious crimes. However, rather than offering clear answers, the film leaves viewers to grapple with the complexities of the situation.
The narrative also examines Samar’s declining personal and professional life. Financial troubles, health issues and fading celebrity status leave him vulnerable even before his arrest. His attempts to secure help from his girlfriend Khushi, played by Saba Azad, his sister Suhani, portrayed by Sanya Malhotra, and his lawyer Nitin, played by Riddhi Sen, prove largely ineffective.
Much of the film takes place inside an overcrowded prison, where violence, intimidation and power struggles dominate daily life. The jail is portrayed as a place where survival often depends on forming alliances and adapting to a harsh code of conduct.
The supporting cast includes notable performances from Raj B. Shetty, Natesh Hegde, Indrajith Sukumaran, Aamir Aziz and Sukant Goel, who bring authenticity to the prison sequences.
However, the film has been criticised for its treatment of female characters. While women play important roles in the story, critics argue that the narrative remains focused almost entirely on Samar’s perspective, leaving other viewpoints underdeveloped.
The portrayal of the complainant has also drawn criticism, with some reviewers suggesting that the film risks oversimplifying her character while emphasising Samar’s suffering.
Despite its ambitious themes and strong performances, Bandar struggles with uneven storytelling and inconsistent character development. While it offers a powerful depiction of incarceration and the psychological toll of imprisonment, its narrative complexities and mixed messaging prevent it from fully realising its potential.
Even so, Deol’s performance remains one of the film’s strongest assets, helping elevate a prison drama that is both thought-provoking and deeply flawed.
#From NDTV