Anurag Kashyap says 'Bandar' not about 'MeToo' or 'MenToo'
What's the story
Anurag Kashyap's latest film, Bandar (Monkey in a Cage), was recently showcased at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The movie is an unsettling exploration of the "ripple effects of #MeToo in digital-age India." Kashyap opened up about the inspiration behind this provocative film and its lead character, played by Bobby Deol.
Film's theme
'Came out of a reaction to what's happening...'
Kashyap explained that Bandar was born out of a reaction to the rapid changes brought about by social media. He told Indian Express, "Bandar came out of a reaction to what's happening on social media." "Within minutes, people go viral. Similarly, within minutes, they are canceled." "I was not trying to make a #Mentoo or #Metoo film." "Sometimes people don't realize what they are doing. Everyone deserves a chance to correct themselves."
Social commentary
Highlights India's broken judicial system
Bandar revolves around Samar (Deol), an aging television star who is accused of sexual assault by his former girlfriend, Gayatri (Sapna Pabbi). Kashyap said, "I wanted the film to highlight how broken our system is." "Only 27 percent of rape cases are reported. In small towns and villages, such cases often go unreported. " He believes that the current law was a "knee-jerk reaction" to the 2012 Delhi gang rape case and is being misused to target "moneyed people".
Director's insight
On why he chose Deol for the role
Kashyap described the film as "a coming-of-age story of a man-child," who doesn't realize his mistake until almost the end. The director said he chose Deol for this role because "Bobby understands what it is to be a loser." There is no official release date for the movie in India yet.