Despite receiving attention since its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, Bandar has arrived in theatres under unusual circumstances.
Limited screens and restricted show timings have sparked discussions among cinema enthusiasts and industry observers.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap’s latest collaboration with Bobby Deol, Bandar, has finally hit Indian theatres, but with fewer screens and a restricted release pattern. According to trade reports, the makers had initially planned a targeted release strategy with three to four shows across five screens, mostly after 1 pm, aiming to gradually expand the film to around 500-600 screens nationwide.

However, industry experts say the film received even fewer screens than expected because of the crowded release calendar and strong competition from other movies already performing well at the box office.

Competition for Screens

Trade analyst and Janta Cinema founder Yusuf Sheikh told NDTV that the makers were looking at a selective release aimed at a niche audience. However, the unusually high number of releases during the week reduced the availability of screens.

He also noted that Marathi film Deool Band 2 has emerged as a major box-office success, reportedly collecting around ₹50 crore within two weeks. As a result, multiplex chains increased the number of shows for the Marathi blockbuster, leaving limited space for newer releases such as Bandar.

Industry observers say exhibitors often allocate screens based on demand and box-office performance, making competition particularly intense during busy release periods.

A Dark Story with Bobby Deol

Bandar marks the first collaboration between Anurag Kashyap and Bobby Deol. The film revolves around Samar, a man whose life takes a dramatic turn after he becomes entangled in a false rape accusation. The psychological drama explores themes of social judgment, reputation and personal turmoil.

The film premiered last year at the Toronto International Film Festival and received attention for its intense storytelling and Bobby Deol's performance.

Meaning Behind the Title

Known for using symbolic titles, Anurag Kashyap has once again opted for a metaphorical name. According to industry discussions, the title Bandar reflects the protagonist's chaotic circumstances and emotional struggles rather than referring to the animal literally.

Some critics have also drawn parallels between the character's downfall and Bobby Deol's own professional journey during the years when the actor experienced a lull in his career before making a successful comeback.

Targeting a Specific Audience

Reports suggest that the makers intentionally opted for a focused release strategy instead of a wide opening. Such releases are often used for content-driven films that rely heavily on reviews and word-of-mouth publicity rather than massive opening-day collections.

The afternoon show pattern has further fueled speculation among moviegoers, though trade experts believe it was primarily a result of screen availability rather than any deliberate restriction imposed on the film.