Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is in the spotlight again with his upcoming film, Bandar, which will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025. The film stars Bobby Deol and Sanya Malhotra in key roles and has already sparked interest with its intriguing first look. Bobby Deol announced it on social media, sharing the film’s gritty poster and describing it as “The story that should not have been told.” This dramatic tagline suggests dark and intense themes.
Bandar is based on true events and continues Kashyap’s tradition of telling raw, unconventional stories that reflect reality and society. Alongside Bobby Deol and Sanya Malhotra, the cast includes Saba Azad and Sapna Pabbi. The film is produced by Nikhil Dwivedi, known for supporting bold, content-driven projects. With Bandar, Kashyap returns to the global festival scene after the success of his 2023 thriller, Kennedy, at Cannes. This reaffirms his reputation as a filmmaker who tackles controversial or challenging narratives.
Bobby Deol’s rugged first look has attracted attention for its intensity and transformation. Over the past few years, Bobby has been reinventing himself with unique, hard-hitting roles, and Bandar appears to mark another significant step in this direction. His fans and cinema lovers are eager to see how he portrays this complex character.
The film’s place in TIFF’s Special Presentations category highlights its global relevance and cinematic quality. For Sanya Malhotra, this film adds to her growing list of performances in both mainstream and indie films, showcasing her versatility as an actor. With TIFF celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Bandar’s premiere feels like a timely recognition of the increasing presence and quality of Indian independent cinema on the world stage.
With its bold storytelling, talented cast, and Anurag Kashyap’s unique vision, Bandar is sure to be one of the most anticipated films at TIFF 2025.
