It wasn't my final cut: Anurag Kashyap says criticism of Bandar was 'quite valid'

Anurag Kashyap has said the criticism directed at his latest film, Bandar, was "quite valid", revealing that he deliberately stayed away from promoting the film because the version released in theatres was not his final cut. While Bandar received a better response than many of his recent films, it also faced backlash from some viewers, who described it as misogynistic and at odds with the MeToo movement.The film follows a former television star accused of sexually assaulting a woman. Speaking on Kunal Kamra's YouTube channel, Kashyap said he could not fully stand by the version that was released, although he suggested the final outcome was beyond his control.Kamra noted that Kashyap had earlier advised him not to watch Bandar. Explaining why, the filmmaker said, "When I said don't watch, it's because I can't own up. If you noticed, I didn't give any interviews on the film. Because whatever came out is not my final cut. So, the criticisms that came the movie's way are quite valid."He added that the film had become "kind of lopsided" after the changes. "I wanted to put out something I could stand up for. As a result, I couldn't stand up against the criticisms against the movie," he said. When asked why directors still do not have a proper system to safeguard their final cut, Kashyap said contractual agreements often lose relevance once studios take over. According to him, delays increase production costs, turning films into financial liabilities and leaving the decision to release a particular version in the hands of the studio rather than the filmmaker.The director also said the film industry has become increasingly corporatised. Unlike earlier, he said, many producers now prioritise commercial success over creative conviction. He added that the limited number of major production houses has reduced choices for filmmakers, with several independent films getting delayed because studios juggle multiple releases. Kashyap reiterated that the criticism of Bandar was justified, saying, "That's why I won't say anything against it." Reflecting on the audience response, Kashyap said he was relieved that some viewers understood what he had intended to convey. He said those who were familiar with the subject immediately grasped the film's perspective, while others needed to watch it to understand its point of view.He maintained that the film's visual language remained his own, but argued that editorial changes had altered its meaning. "Whatever was there, was made by me. I shot it. But what they have edited out has really affected the outcome," he said, adding that removing key portions had changed the film's perspective.Bandar stars Bobby Deol, Sanya Malhotra, Sapna Pabbi, Saba Azad, Indrajith Sukumaran, Raj B Shetty and Jitendra Joshi. The film's cinematography is by Saiyed Shaaz Rizvi, with editing by Aarti Bajaj.- EndsPublished By: shweta keshriPublished On: Jul 23, 2026 10:01 IST