**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), was recently showcased at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film is an unsettling exploration of the ripple effects of the #MeToo movement in digital-age India.

Kashyap opened up about the inspiration behind this provocative film and its lead character, played by Bobby Deol.

### The Inspiration Behind Bandar

Kashyap explained that *Bandar* emerged as a reaction to the rapid changes brought about by social media. He told the Indian Express, “*Bandar* came out of a reaction to what’s happening on social media. Within minutes, people go viral. Similarly, within minutes, they are canceled.”

He emphasized that he was not trying to make a film about #MenToo or #MeToo. “Sometimes people don’t realize what they are doing. Everyone deserves a chance to correct themselves,” Kashyap added.

### A Social Commentary on India’s Judicial System

The movie centers around Samar (played by Bobby Deol), an aging television star who is accused of sexual assault by his former girlfriend, Gayatri (played by Sapna Pabbi).

Kashyap said, “I wanted the film to highlight how broken our system is. Only 27 percent of rape cases are reported. In small towns and villages, such cases often go unreported.”

He also expressed concern that the current laws were a “knee-jerk reaction” to the 2012 Delhi gang rape case and alleged that these laws are being misused to target “moneyed people.”

### Director’s Insight on Casting Bobby Deol

When asked why he chose Bobby Deol for the lead role, Kashyap described *Bandar* as “a coming-of-age story of a man-child” who doesn’t realize his mistakes until almost the end.

He said, “Bobby understands what it is to be a loser,” making him the perfect fit for the character of Samar.

### Release Details

As of now, there is no official release date for *Bandar* in India. Fans await further updates on when the film will be available for viewing.

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*Bandar* promises to be a compelling look at the complexities of justice and accountability in contemporary India—through the lens of media, social perceptions, and the flawed legal system.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/anurag-kashyap-talks-about-bandar/story

**Anurag Kashyap Says ‘Bandar’ Is Not About ‘MeToo’ or ‘MenToo’**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | October 4, 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 offers an unsettling exploration of the ripple effects of the #MeToo movement in digital-age India.

**Film’s Theme Born from Social Media Reaction**

Kashyap opened up about the inspiration behind this provocative film and its lead character, portrayed by Bobby Deol. Speaking to the Indian Express, he explained that *Bandar* emerged as a reaction to the rapid changes brought about by social media culture.

He said, “*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.”

**A Commentary on India’s Broken Judicial System**

The story revolves around Samar (Bobby Deol), an aging television star accused of sexual assault by his former girlfriend, Gayatri (Sapna Pabbi). Kashyap emphasized that the film shines a light on the flaws of India’s judicial system.

“I wanted the film to highlight how broken our system is. Only 27 percent of rape cases are reported. In small towns and villages, such cases often go unreported,” he noted. According to Kashyap, the current laws were a “knee-jerk reaction” to the 2012 Delhi gang rape case and are often misused to target affluent individuals.

**Director’s Insight on Casting Bobby Deol**

Describing the film as “a coming-of-age story of a man-child,” Kashyap explained that Samar doesn’t fully recognize his mistakes until almost the end of the movie. The director chose Bobby Deol for the role because he “understands what it is to be a loser.”

Currently, there is no official release date announced for *Bandar* in India. Fans eagerly await this thought-provoking film that promises to spark important conversations around social justice and accountability.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/anurag-kashyap-talks-about-bandar/story

**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