Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap’s his new film Bandar (internationally titled Monkey In A Cage) will have a worldwide theatrical release on June 5, 2026. This announcement follows the film’s world premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2025, where it gained critical attention in the Special Presentation category.
A gripping tale of fame and fallout, inspired by true events, Bandar is an intense crime-thriller and social drama. The story follows Samar (played by Bobby Deol), an aging television star whose popularity is fading. As he tries to navigate his declining career and a new relationship with a younger woman, is past catches up with him in a terrible way. Things take a dark turn when his ex-girlfriend, , accuses him of rape. The film explores the following judicial custody and public trial, portraying a man trapped—much like a "monkey in a cage"—by his own decisions and the legal system.
The film marks the first collaboration between Kashyap and Deol, who has experienced a career revival in recent years. The ensemble cast also includes Sanya Malhotra, Saba Azad, Sapna Pabbi, Indrajith Sukumaran, Raj B Shetty, and Jitendra Joshi in supporting roles. Kashyap has teamed up with Sudip Sharma and Abhishek Banerjee, the creators of hits like Paatal Lok and Udta Punjab for the film produced by Nikhil Dwivedi.
Bandar’s June 5 release puts it in direct competition with Rocking Star Yash’s much-awaited Toxic, which is currently set for a June 4 theatrical outing. However, there is a strong buzz that Toxic may miss its latest release plan as well, which is also why Bandar has been fixed for June 5.
