By: Manisha Sahu
America News World Entertainment Desk
October 7, 2025
Acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has once again found himself at the center of public debate, this time surrounding his upcoming film Bandar. The movie, which had its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), has sparked controversy online, with some critics and viewers suggesting it engages with the #MeToo movement in a controversial or even “anti-MeToo” light.
However, in an exclusive interview with SCREEN, Kashyap directly addressed the speculation and clarified that the film has nothing to do with the #MeToo movement, emphasizing the distinction between the narrative of his film and the broader social campaign.
Bandar’s Premise and Misconceptions
Bandar is Kashyap’s latest project, starring Bobby Deol, marking their first collaboration together. While the world premiere at TIFF received attention for its provocative storytelling, some critics interpreted certain plot elements as controversial, particularly in the context of gender dynamics and sexual misconduct narratives.
“Some people have suggested the film might be interpreted as anti-MeToo,” Kashyap told SCREEN. “But that’s not the intention at all. The movie deals with a false rape accusation case, which naturally triggers conversations around the topic. But MeToo is fundamentally about power misuse—someone in a position of authority exploiting it. This film has nothing to do with that kind of powerplay, or the sexual angle, so it has nothing to do with MeToo.”
This clarification comes at a time when online backlash has been mounting, with some netizens labeling the film as “pro-men” or questioning its relevance in the current socio-cultural climate. Kashyap, however, remained firm on his vision and the intent of the story, stating that the narrative is focused on the legal and psychological complexities of a false accusation, rather than critiquing social movements.
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Collaboration With Screenwriter Sudip Sharma
Kashyap also opened up about the process of bringing Bandar to life, crediting renowned screenwriter Sudip Sharma—known for works like Udta Punjab, Sonchiriya, Paatal Lok, and Kohrra—for crafting the screenplay.
“I didn’t have the time to write the script myself,” Kashyap admitted. “And I felt this was a very complex and delicate subject. I told myself that I would direct it only if Sudip Sharma agreed to write it. Thankfully, he agreed, and that’s how the project came together.”
The collaboration between Kashyap and Sharma has been described by early TIFF reviews as compelling, with the film’s narrative praised for its nuanced approach to an inherently sensitive topic. While controversial interpretations have emerged, many critics acknowledged that the movie explores human psychology, societal judgment, and legal intricacies with a layered perspective.
Bobby Deol’s Role in Bandar
Bandar also marks a significant return for Bobby Deol, who has previously been recognized for his performances in films like Apne and Race 3. The actor’s performance has already garnered attention at TIFF, where he appeared alongside Kashyap and the film’s principal cast. The collaboration is seen as a milestone for both the actor and director, bringing together two seasoned talents with complementary approaches to storytelling.
Kashyap shared, “Bobby brought a unique energy and understanding to the character. It was important for this role that the actor could portray complex emotions subtly, and he delivered beyond expectations.”
Anticipation for Release in India
While Bandar has already made waves internationally, an official release date in India has not yet been announced. Nonetheless, the buzz around the film continues to grow, with fans and critics eagerly awaiting its domestic premiere. Given Kashyap’s reputation for tackling bold and challenging subjects, expectations are high for the movie to make a significant impact once it hits theaters.
Kashyap Keeps Busy With Nishaanchi Part 2
In addition to Bandar, Anurag Kashyap is already gearing up for the release of Nishaanchi Part 2, the sequel to his current theatrical release Nishaanchi. The film features a star-studded cast including Aaishvary Thackeray, Vedika Pinto, Monika Panwar, Kumud Mishra, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub in leading roles.
Speaking about his prolific schedule, Kashyap said, “I’m always exploring new stories and pushing boundaries. While Bandar was a sensitive subject, Nishaanchi Part 2 takes a completely different direction. I like to keep my storytelling diverse, and that’s what keeps me motivated as a filmmaker.”
Addressing Public Perception
The conversation around Bandar highlights a recurring challenge in Kashyap’s career: balancing creative freedom with public interpretation. Known for films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Dev.D, and Ugly, Kashyap has consistently pushed cinematic boundaries, often sparking debate on societal issues.
He addressed this directly, stating, “Art will always be interpreted in multiple ways. My responsibility is to tell the story authentically, not to conform to popular expectations. People are free to have opinions, but the intent behind Bandar is very clear—it’s a story about human psychology and false accusations, not a commentary on MeToo.”
As Anurag Kashyap prepares for the Indian release of Bandar, the filmmaker remains steadfast in his commitment to telling provocative and meaningful stories. With Bobby Deol joining him for the first time and Sudip Sharma penning the screenplay, Bandar promises to be a thought-provoking film that challenges viewers to think critically about the stories we consume and the assumptions we make.
Kashyap’s clarification regarding the #MeToo movement is likely to spark further discussion as the film reaches a wider audience, but one thing remains clear: Bandar is designed to be a cinematic exploration of complex human situations, not a social or political statement.
Fans and critics alike are now eagerly awaiting the Indian release of Bandar to witness firsthand how Kashyap has navigated this delicate yet compelling narrative.
Anurag Kashyap clarifies that his upcoming film Bandar is not related to the #MeToo movement, explains the story revolves around a false rape accusation, highlights Sudip Sharma’s screenplay, and prepares fans for the highly anticipated release in India.