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.
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.
Siju Prabhakaran, Chief Business Officer, Zee 5 Global, said, “At Zee 5 Global, we believe the most meaningful stories are often the ones that make audiences pause, question and look at familiar conversations through a different lens. Bandar is a bold and unconventional film that does exactly that. It explores the complexities of accusation, perception and justice without offering easy answers, and we are excited to bring this provocative story to audiences globally. With a filmmaker like Anurag Kashyap and a powerful performance by Bobby Deol at its core, Bandar is the kind of distinctive storytelling that reflects our commitment to bringing bold, relevant and thought-provoking stories to viewers everywhere.”
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
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