TIFF to host world premiere of Bobby Deol starrer ‘Bandar’ – Firstpost

In a dramatic turn that has sparked chatter in the festival circuit, Anurag Kashyap has ditched his favorite Cannes choosing instead to premiere his next Film Bandar featuring Bobby Deol, Sanya Malhotra and others at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Apparently the Festival Managers at Toronto were keen that Kashyap’s Film premiers coinciding with their 50th Anniversary. The film, boasts a stellar cast led by Bobby Deol, alongside Sanya Malhotra, Saba Azad, and Sapna Pabbi and is Produced by Nikhil Dwivedi.

The unexpected switch has many calling it the latest chapter in the ongoing “Festival Wars”, a rising trend where global festivals compete to bag premiere rights for highly potential films. While Cannes has long been considered the pinnacle of auteur-driven cinema, TIFF’s growing global influence and audience reach have made it an increasingly strategic choice for filmmakers seeking both acclaim and visibility.

This shift also marks a significant moment for Bobby Deol, whose career renaissance continues to surprise audiences and critics alike. Fresh off the success of “Animal”, Bobby is said to be in an entirely new avatar in this film, raw, dark, and unlike anything he’s done before.

“Bandar” is being described as a gripping drama with layered characters and hard hitting reality – typical of Kashyap’s bold storytelling style. With powerhouse cast adding further depth to the narrative, the project has already started generating buzz as one of the must-watch Indian films at TIFF 2025, and expectations are sky high.