Anurag Kashyap has spoken candidly about Bandar, admitting that the version currently playing in theatres is not the film he originally wanted audiences to see. The filmmaker, who returned to directing with the Bobby Deol-led drama, said he deliberately stayed away from promoting the project because he could not fully stand behind the final release. His comments come weeks after the film sparked intense debate over its portrayal of sexual assault, with some viewers accusing it of being misogynistic and undermining the #MeToo movement.
Instead of defending the criticism surrounding the film, Kashyap acknowledged that many of the reactions were understandable in light of the version that reached cinemas. According to him, key editorial changes significantly altered the perspective of the story, making it different from the vision he had intended. While Bandar continues to divide audiences, the director says the released cut no longer reflects the film he wanted to present.
Anurag Kashyap Explains Why He Didn’t Promote Bandar
Speaking to comedian Kunal Kamra on his YouTube channel, Kashyap revealed that he intentionally kept his distance from the film’s promotional campaign. He said he had even advised Kamra not to watch the film because the theatrical version was not one he could personally endorse. The filmmaker admitted that staying silent during the release was a conscious decision rather than an oversight.
Explaining his stance, Kashyap said, “When I said don’t watch, it’s because I can’t own up… If you noticed, I didn’t give any interviews on the film. Because whatever came out is not my final cut. So, the criticisms that came the movie’s way are quite valid. I wanted to put out something I could stand up for. As a result, I couldn’t stand up against the criticisms against the movie.”
He further clarified that most of what audiences see on screen was filmed exactly as he had envisioned. However, he believes the removal of certain scenes during editing fundamentally changed the film’s narrative balance and emotional impact. According to Kashyap, those omissions shifted the audience’s perspective in ways he never intended.
He added, “Cinematically, everything else is pretty much mine… but they changed it by taking something out. Thus, the perspective has been changed. The tilt has changed a little bit. Whatever was there, was made by me. I shot it. But what they have edited out has really affected the outcome.”
Director Blames Corporate System For Creative Compromises
Kashyap also reflected on the broader changes he believes have reshaped the Hindi film industry over the years. According to him, increasing corporate involvement has reduced the creative freedom directors once enjoyed, particularly when projects face delays or budgets begin to escalate. He argued that filmmakers can gradually lose authority over their own work as studios take greater control of the production process.
The director said that even detailed contracts often fail to protect a filmmaker’s creative vision once a studio assumes complete control over a project. Looking back at an earlier era of filmmaking, Kashyap recalled a time when producers invested in stories because they genuinely believed in them, even if it meant taking significant financial risks. He contrasted that with today’s environment, where commercial calculations often outweigh artistic conviction and where a small number of major studios dominate financing opportunities.
Bandar Continues To Divide Audiences
Released in June 2026, Bandar marks Kashyap’s return to the director’s chair and features Bobby Deol in the lead role alongside Sanya Malhotra, Sapna Pabbi and Saba Azad. The film follows a fading film star accused of sexual assault, placing its central character at the heart of a media storm and a deeply polarising public debate. Since its release, the film has generated mixed reactions, with viewers praising its performances while questioning aspects of its storytelling and thematic approach.
Despite the controversy surrounding the narrative, Bobby Deol’s performance has emerged as one of the film’s most appreciated aspects. Several critics have highlighted his portrayal as one of the strongest elements of the drama, even as opinions remain divided over the film’s execution. With Kashyap now publicly distancing himself from the theatrical cut, the conversation around Bandar has expanded beyond its story to include the long-standing debate over creative control and final-cut authority in modern filmmaking.
