Anurag Kashyap Distances Himself From Released Version of 'Bandar', Says Key Edits Altered His Vision
Anurag Kashyap has opened up about the controversy surrounding the Bobby Deol-led film.
Weeks after 'Bandar' hit theatres in June 2026, director Anurag Kashyap has opened up about the controversy surrounding the Bobby Deol-led film, revealing that the version playing in cinemas is not one he fully stands behind. The filmmaker, whose latest directorial has faced backlash for its depiction of se**al assault, said he cannot be held accountable for the final cut released to audiences. 'Bandar' has generated intense debate since its release, with some viewers accusing it of undermining the #MeToo movement.
Speaking about the criticism, Anurag Kashyap maintained that the film's core message was altered during post-production. He explained that the biggest problem was not the material he originally shot, but the portions removed during editing. According to the director, those changes significantly reshaped the narrative, resulting in a film that no longer reflected his intended vision.
"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," said Kashyap in a conversation with comedian Kunal Kamra on the latter's YouTube channel.
Anurag Kashyap also reflected on the changing dynamics of the Hindi film industry, arguing that increasing corporatisation has made it more difficult for directors to retain creative control over their projects. He said prolonged production schedules and escalating budgets often weaken a filmmaker's authority, leaving major studios with the final say over what ultimately reaches theatres.
The director added that legal agreements offer little protection once a project is in the hands of a studio. In his view, production houses now wield greater influence over the finished product, often overriding a filmmaker's creative decisions.
“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,” he explained.
Looking back at an earlier era of filmmaking, Kashyap said producers once invested in stories because they genuinely believed in them, even if it meant taking significant financial risks. He contrasted that approach with the current landscape, where commercial viability often takes precedence over artistic ambition.
'Bandar' features Bobby Deol in the lead role, with Sanya Malhotra, Sapna Pabbi and Saba Azad in pivotal roles. The film revolves around a once-celebrated actor whose life is upended after he is accused of se**al assault, marking Kashyap's return to directing.
