The long-awaited collaboration between director Anurag Kashyap and actor Bobby Deol finally has a date with the big screen. The makers of the gritty crime drama Bandar (internationally titled Monkey in a Cage) announced today, February 20, 2026, that the film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on May 22, 2026.
Following a highly successful premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025, where it received critical acclaim for its “hard-hitting and unflinching” narrative, Bandar is being positioned as one of the most significant cinematic events of the year.
A Story of Power and Systemic Flaws
Bandar marks a departure from Bobby Deol’s recent high-octane antagonist roles in films like Animal. In this social thriller, Deol portrays Samar, a former television superstar whose fame is rapidly declining. The plot thickens when Samar’s ex-girlfriend, Gayatri (played by Sapna Pabbi), accuses him of rape after he cuts off communication with her.
The film explores the murky waters of the #MeToo movement in the digital age, shifting from a personal drama into a tense legal procedural. It aims to shine a light on:
The complexities of public vs. private persona. The harsh, often grotesque realities of the Indian prison system. A legal framework that critics say the film depicts as “deeply flawed and corrupt.”
Powerhouse Cast and Crew
The film is produced by Nikhil Dwivedi and Zee Studios, featuring a script co-written by Sudip Sharma (creator of Paatal Lok and Kohrra) and Abhishek Banerjee.
Box Office Outlook
The May 22 release sets Bandar up for a head-to-head opening with Milap Zaveri’s Tera Yaar Hoon Main. However, industry analysts suggest there is little concern about a “clash” given the polar opposite genres of the two films—one being a raw, socio-political drama and the other expected to be a commercial entertainer.
For Bobby Deol, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year. In addition to Bandar, the actor is slated to appear in Thalapathy Vijay’s final film, Jana Nayagan, and the YRF Spy Universe project Alpha.
“I never imagined a film of mine would go to a festival,” Deol shared during the film’s TIFF premiere. “I enjoyed every moment of working on this project; it’s a story that needs to be told.”
Fans can expect a promotional rollout, including the official trailer and music, to begin in early April. To know such latest updates tuned tellyboosters.com Thank you!
