Bandar: ‘The Dark Horse’ of the year galloping towards glory amongst the recent releases

Within hours of its theatrical release on June 5, 'Bandar' has found itself at the centre of widespread appreciation.

Updated on Jun 06, 2026  |  11:19 AM IST |  1.1M
Bobby Deol
Bandar (Credits: Zee Studios)

At a time when Bollywood is increasingly relying on sequels, franchises and established formulas, Bobby Deol's 'Bandar' has quietly emerged as one of the most clear winners amongst the recent releases.

Released on June 5, 2026, the movie has emerged as one of the most talked-about films of the year, earning rave and the strongest reviews in a very long time for a feature film for its fearless storytelling, gripping narrative, in just a few hours.

Within hours of its theatrical release on June 5, 'Bandar' has found itself at the centre of widespread appreciation, with a number of critics awarding the film four-star ratings or above and praising its bold storytelling. Reviews have particularly highlighted Bobby Deol's compelling performance, Anurag Kashyap's gritty direction and the film's willingness to tackle a difficult and thought-provoking subject.

The overwhelmingly positive response has further strengthened the perception that 'Bandar' could be one of the year's biggest surprise successes, with audiences and critics alike rallying behind the film's fearless vision.

Beyond the performances and reviews, what truly sets 'Bandar' apart is the sheer courage behind the film's subject. At a time when most filmmakers prefer safer, formula-driven stories, 'Bandar' takes on a deeply uncomfortable and divisive issue that is bound to spark debate.

Merely conceiving a film around such a sensitive topic requires conviction; backing it with significant investment and releasing it in theatres takes even greater faith.

What began as an under-the-radar release is fast turning into a cinematic event, with 'Bandar' steadily building the momentum of a genuine dark horse success story.

Long before its release, the film generated curiosity because of its dark and gritty premise.

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