Bandar’s release strategy shifts
Anurag Kashyap’s latest directorial venture Bandar is facing a stiff challenge at the ticket window. Early reports from multiplex chains indicate that the film is being allotted screening slots only after 1 pm across many properties, a move that typically signals cautious optimism from exhibitors.
Industry insiders reveal that the decision comes amid a crowded release calendar, with several high-profile films competing for prime morning and afternoon shows. While Kashyap’s film has generated considerable buzz among cinephiles, multiplex programmers appear to be hedging their bets by reserving the more lucrative earlier slots for bigger-budget offerings.
What this means for the film’s box office prospects
Getting pushed to post-lunch screenings is often seen as a mixed blessing. On one hand, it suggests that exhibitors expect steady evening footfall for Bandar. On the other, it limits the film’s potential to build word-of-mouth through multiple daily shows. A source close to the production tells Cinecrazy, ‘The team is confident that the film’s content will draw audiences regardless of the timing.’
Kashyap, known for his gritty storytelling and cult following, has a track record of defying conventional release patterns. His earlier films like Gangs of Wasseypur and Ugly found success through strong critical reception and audience loyalty, even with limited screens.
Competition heating up at the box office
The current theatrical landscape is particularly fierce, with multiple mainstream releases vying for screen space. Sources suggest that Bandar‘s afternoon-only slots are a strategic compromise—allowing the film to stay in theatres while giving more commercial films the prime real estate.
For now, fans of Kashyap’s brand of cinema will have to plan their shows accordingly. Whether the film can break out of its afternoon ghetto remains to be seen, but early buzz suggests that those who do catch it are in for a treat. As one trade analyst puts it, ‘In today’s market, even a post-1 pm slot is a win for a film like Bandar. The real test will be the weekend numbers.’