**Anurag Kashyap Says ‘Bandar’ Is Not About ‘#MeToo’ or ‘MenToo’**
*By Apoorva Rastogi | Oct 04, 2025, 05:04 PM*
Anurag Kashyap’s latest film, *Bandar* (Monkey in a Cage), recently premiered at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The movie delves into the unsettling ripple effects of the #MeToo movement in digital-age India. Kashyap shared insights about the inspiration behind this provocative film and its lead character, portrayed by Bobby Deol.
**A Reaction to Social Media’s Rapid Changes**
Kashyap revealed that *Bandar* was born out of his reaction to the swift transformations ushered in by social media. Speaking to the Indian Express, he explained, “*Bandar* came out of a reaction to what’s happening on social media. Within minutes, people go viral. Similarly, within minutes, they are canceled. I was not trying to make a #Mentoo or #Metoo film. Sometimes people don’t realize what they are doing. Everyone deserves a chance to correct themselves.”
**Highlighting India’s Broken Judicial System**
The film centers around Samar (Bobby Deol), an aging television star accused of sexual assault by his former girlfriend, Gayatri (Sapna Pabbi). Kashyap emphasized his intention to spotlight the deep flaws in India’s judicial system, stating, “Only 27 percent of rape cases are reported. In small towns and villages, such cases often go unreported.”
He also noted that the current laws were a “knee-jerk reaction” to the 2012 Delhi gang rape case and cautioned that they are sometimes misused to target affluent individuals.
**Choosing Bobby Deol for the Role**
Describing the film as “a coming-of-age story of a man-child” who only realizes his mistakes near the end, Kashyap shared why he cast Bobby Deol in the lead role. “Bobby understands what it is to be a loser,” the director said, highlighting the actor’s suitability for portraying Samar’s complex character.
As of now, there is no official release date announced for *Bandar* in India. Fans await further updates on the film’s availability following its TIFF premiere.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/anurag-kashyap-talks-about-bandar/story