Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has acknowledged that much of the criticism directed at his latest film Bandar was justified, revealing that the version released in theatres was not the one he had intended audiences to watch.

Speaking during a conversation on comedian Kunal Kamra’s YouTube channel, Kashyap said he chose not to participate in the film’s promotional campaign because he did not believe the theatrical release truly represented his creative vision.

“I Couldn’t Own the Released Version”

Kashyap explained that the film underwent significant editorial changes before its release, making it difficult for him to defend the final product.

According to the filmmaker, the version that reached cinemas differed substantially from his original cut, leaving him unable to respond to criticism or publicly stand by the film.

He admitted that the feedback from audiences was understandable because important portions of the story had been removed, changing the narrative’s overall perspective.

Studio Edits Changed the Film’s Direction

Discussing the creative process, Kashyap said the visual language remained his own because he directed and shot the film. However, he believes extensive edits by the studio altered the intended meaning of the story.

He described the released version as becoming “lopsided,” adding that removing key scenes significantly affected the film’s emotional and thematic impact.

The filmmaker noted that while directors may negotiate creative rights during production, commercial realities often shift control to studios once budgets increase and release schedules become a priority.

Why Kashyap Stayed Away From Promotions

Kashyap revealed that his absence from the promotional campaign was a conscious decision.

He said he did not want to promote a version of the film that he could not fully support. Because of that, he felt it would be inappropriate to argue against viewers who criticised the movie after watching the theatrical release.

Filmmaker Raises Concerns Over Creative Freedom

The director also reflected on the changing nature of the film industry, saying increasing corporatisation has reduced creative flexibility for filmmakers.

He argued that many production houses now focus primarily on commercial performance, while independent filmmakers often face delays and editorial compromises as studios manage multiple projects.

According to Kashyap, this environment leaves directors with limited influence over the final version of their films despite their creative involvement during production.

Audience Response to Bandar

Despite the controversy, Kashyap said he was encouraged that some viewers understood the message he originally wanted to convey.

He explained that audiences familiar with the film’s subject matter were more likely to grasp its intended perspective, even though the final edit differed from his original vision.

Bandar features Bobby Deol, Sanya Malhotra, Sapna Pabbi, Saba Azad, Indrajith Sukumaran, Raj B Shetty, and Jitendra Joshi in key roles.

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FAQs

Why did Anurag Kashyap say the criticism of Bandar was valid?
He said the theatrical version was not his final cut, and studio edits changed the film’s intended perspective, making many criticisms understandable.

Why didn’t Anurag Kashyap promote Bandar?
The filmmaker chose to skip promotions because he did not want to publicly support a version of the film that he felt no longer reflected his creative vision.

What changes did Kashyap claim were made to Bandar?
He said important scenes were removed during editing, altering the film’s narrative balance and overall message.

Who stars in Bandar?
The film features Bobby Deol, Sanya Malhotra, Sapna Pabbi, Saba Azad, Indrajith Sukumaran, Raj B Shetty, and Jitendra Joshi.

Where did Anurag Kashyap make these remarks?
He spoke about the film and its release during an interview on Kunal Kamra’s YouTube channel.