Anurag Kashyap's "Bandar" (Monkey in a Cage), starring Bobby Deol and Sanya Malhotra, is set to have its world premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2025. The festival will take place from September 4 to 14 in Canada. This marks a significant milestone for the film, with the official title and cast being unveiled alongside the premiere announcement.
Bobby Deol shared the film's poster on Instagram, writing, "The story that should not have been told… but is the official selection at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival 2025". He added that the film is inspired by true events. The film also stars Sanya Malhotra in a pivotal role.
The first look of Bobby Deol from the film has generated considerable buzz. Fellow actors, including Vikrant Massey and Chandan Roy Sanyal, have congratulated Deol on this achievement. Sunny Deol, Bobby's brother, also reacted with heart and thumbs-up emojis.
"Bandar" is produced by Nikhil Dwivedi, who has previously backed films like "Veere Di Wedding" and "CTRL". Dwivedi is also producing the upcoming fantasy drama "Naagin". The film is produced under the banner Saffron Magicworks.
Anurag Kashyap, known for his gritty and raw storytelling in films like "Gangs of Wasseypur", "Black Friday", and "Ugly", returns to the international festival circuit with "Bandar". Kashyap's last film, "Kennedy," premiered at Cannes 2023. "Bandar" continues his trend of dark, socially charged cinema. Kashyap also has another crime film slated for release this year, "Nishaanchi".
TIFF's Special Presentations program will showcase "Bandar", highlighting contemporary films from around the world. The 50th edition of TIFF, presented by Rogers, will feature films from over 30 countries. The film has a runtime of 140 minutes.
Bobby Deol was last seen in "Daaku Maharaaj" and has several upcoming films, including "Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1", "Alpha", and "Jana Nayagan". Sanya Malhotra was last seen in "Thug Life" and has films like "Toaster" and "Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari" in the pipeline.
The theatrical release is scheduled for September 19, 2025.
