The Bengal Story Bureau: In a significant triumph for independent Indian cinema, director Anurag Kashyap’s upcoming film “Bandar” has been selected as the closing night film at the National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA) 2026. The movie features Bollywood actor Bobby Deol in a prominent role, marking a highly anticipated collaboration between the actor and the acclaimed filmmaker.
The festival, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, will take place in Melbourne from August 13 to August 23, 2026. “Bandar” will receive its Australian premiere on the final night of the event, ahead of its scheduled commercial release in theatres later this year.
A Dark Gritty Drama
While the filmmakers have kept specific plot details under wraps, industry insiders describe “Bandar” as a gritty, character-driven crime drama set in the heartland of India. The film reportedly features Deol in a transformative, intense avatar, continuing his recent career trajectory of playing complex, dark characters following his acclaimed performance in the 2023 blockbuster “Animal”.
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The project marks the first time that Deol has worked under the direction of Kashyap, who is widely known for pioneering a raw, realistic style of filmmaking in Indian cinema through films like “Gangs of Wasseypur” and “Sacred Games”. The collaboration has generated substantial curiosity among cinephiles and industry critics alike.
NIFFA Celebrates a Decade
The National Indian Film Festival of Australia has grown into one of the largest celebrations of Indian cinema outside the subcontinent. The 2026 edition promises a diverse line-up of over 50 films across multiple languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam.
Festival director Mitu Bhowmick Lange expressed enthusiasm about choosing Kashyap’s film for the closing night slot. Organisers noted that the film perfectly embodies the spirit of contemporary Indian storytelling, combining powerful performances with a bold directorial vision. Both Deol and Kashyap are expected to travel to Melbourne to attend the screening and participate in a special interactive session with the audience.
Bobby Deol’s Career Resurgence
The selection of “Bandar” at an international platform underscores the ongoing career renaissance of Bobby Deol. After a period of professional lull, the actor successfully reinvented himself with digital series like “Aashram” and reinforced his box-office draw with negative roles in high-profile projects.
Apart from “Bandar”, Deol is slated to appear in several major regional and pan-Indian productions in the coming months, including his upcoming debut in South Indian cinema. The international exposure at NIFFA is expected to give “Bandar” a strong promotional boost before it hits Indian cinema halls.
