Also starring Sanya Malhotra, Sapna Pabbi and Saba Azad, Bandar is a bold #MeTooForMen story about accusation, perception and justice ~
New York/New Jersey, 25th August 2026:
At Zee 5 Global, bold stories live through different perspectives. From Mrs., which explored a woman's fight for identity within marriage, to Assi, which confronted the trauma of rape, victim-blaming and the challenges women face in their pursuit of justice, the platform has consistently championed stories that challenge convention rather than conform to it. Now, with Bandar, Zee 5 Global enters one of the most uncomfortable and contentious conversations of our time. For years, we've heard stories of women finding the courage to speak. Bandar asks a provocative question: can men be victims too?
Rooted in the #MeTooForMen discourse, Bandar follows the story of a man whose life is upended by an accusation from a woman, where public perception, media scrutiny and social judgment take hold long before the truth can emerge. Directed by Anurag Kashyap and anchored by a powerful performance from Bobby Deol, Bandar explores the devastating consequences of being presumed guilty, asking what happens when an accusation itself becomes the punishment. Through Bandar, Zee 5 Global continues its commitment to telling stories that challenge assumptions, reflect complex realities and give voice to perspectives often left out of the conversation, reinforcing its belief that Bold Stories Live Here.
Key Details:
Title: Bandar
Language: Hindi
Genre: Crime Drama / Psychological Thriller
Premiere: 28th August 2026
Produced by: Saffron Magicworks and Zee Studios
Directed by: Anurag Kashyap
Cast: Bobby Deol, Sanya Malhotra, Sapna Pabbi, Saba Azad, Indrajith Sukumaran, Raj B. Shetty, Jitendra Joshi and others
Streaming: Exclusively on Zee 5 Global
What is Bandar about?
Bandar follows Samar Mehra, a once-popular television star whose life unravels when he is accused of rape by a former partner. As the allegations trigger a media frenzy and a bruising legal battle, Samar finds himself trapped in a system where public opinion often arrives before the truth.
Exploring the intersections of power, consent, media scrutiny and justice, Bandar asks a difficult question: can men be victims too? Victims of accusation, public perception and media trials. As accusation itself becomes the punishment, the film challenges audiences to confront the cost of being judged before being heard. Driven by powerful performances and unexpected twists, Bandar is a gripping drama that keeps viewers questioning until the very end.
Why Bandar stands out:
A bold and provocative exploration of the #MeTooForMen conversation, bringing a rarely-seen perspective to the forefront
Tells the story of a man trapped by circumstances where the accusation itself becomes the punishment
Explores the human cost of accusation, public perception, media trials and being judged before being heard
Challenges audiences to question assumptions and examine how quickly society forms verdicts before all sides of a story are heard
Bobby Deol delivers a career-defining performance, backed by a powerful ensemble cast
Blends emotional drama, suspense and social commentary to spark conversations around truth, fairness and justice
Official Statements:
Harish Goyal, Territory Head – Americas, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., said, “Audiences across the Americas are increasingly seeking stories that are bold, nuanced and willing to engage with complex conversations. Bandar is a compelling example of storytelling that challenges perceptions and encourages viewers to look beyond immediate judgments. With Anurag Kashyap’s distinctive filmmaking and Bobby Deol delivering a remarkably transformative performance, the film has the potential to spark meaningful conversations among audiences. At ZEE5, our focus is to bring the South Asian diaspora closer to powerful, contemporary stories from home, and we are excited for audiences across the Americas to experience Bandar when it premieres on August 28.”
Director Anurag Kashyap said, “What drew me to this story was its willingness to ask difficult questions, including one that society is often uncomfortable confronting: can men be victims too? The film challenges audiences to look beyond black-and-white narratives and consider the uncomfortable grey areas that often exist in real life. It asks whether we are truly willing to listen before we judge, and whether our understanding of victimhood, truth and empathy is sometimes influenced by our own assumptions. The film is anchored by some exceptional performances, especially from Bobby, who completely immersed himself in the character and brought a vulnerability and intensity that the role demanded. Whatever the journey of the film may have been so far, I believe the story remains relevant and worthy of discussion. I'm glad that Bandar will now reach a wider audience on Zee 5 Global, and I hope viewers engage with it, interpret it in their own way, and keep the conversation going long after the film ends”.
Actor Bobby Deol said, “Bandar was one of those rare projects that pushed me completely out of my comfort zone. The character demanded a lot from me, not just as an actor, but as a person. I had to let go of my inhibitions, trust the process, and fully surrender to Anurag's vision. What I love about Anurag's storytelling is that he never takes the obvious route. He encourages you to explore the uncomfortable, the unexpected, and that's what made this journey so rewarding. Playing this role was both challenging and liberating, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. The film has a special place in my heart and I'm hopeful that its premiere on Zee 5 Global will give it the wider audience it deserves and allow more viewers to experience this unique story”.
Actor Sapna Pabbi added, “Bandar has been one of the most special experiences of my career. When Anurag sir approached me for Gayatri, I was instantly drawn to how layered and unpredictable she was. Characters like her don't come around very often. Gayatri is a complex character whose actions set the story in motion, and portraying her was both emotionally demanding and deeply rewarding. What I appreciated most was the trust Anurag sir placed in me and the freedom he gave me to explore the many shades of the character. I'm delighted that the film will now find a wider audience on Zee 5 Global and I am looking forward to more people watching this unconventional story”.
Actor Sanya Malhotra said, “Bandar is the kind of film that sparks conversations and encourages you to look at situations from different perspectives. It's a story that raises thought-provoking questions and stays with you long after you've watched it. I'm delighted that the film is now coming to Zee 5 Global, giving audiences across the globe an opportunity to experience it and engage with its powerful themes”.
Get ready for a gripping story as Bandar premieres exclusively on Zee 5 Global on 28th August
