New Delhi, June 5

A special screening of the film Bandar, starring Bobby Deol and Sanya Malhotra, directed by Anurag Kashyap and produced by Nikhil Dwivedi, was held at the Films Division Auditorium in New Delhi.

The screening was organized by Ekam Nyaay Foundation, an organization that provides support and legal assistance to individuals who claim they have faced false criminal allegations. The event was attended by advocates, social workers, journalists, former bureaucrats, social media influencers, and several individuals who shared personal experiences related to legal proceedings and acquittals.

The film explores themes related to justice, due process, public perception, media narratives, and the impact that criminal allegations can have on the lives of accused persons and their families. According to the filmmakers, the objective is to encourage discussion around the importance of fair investigation and judicial process while maintaining respect for the seriousness of criminal offences.

During the event, several attendees spoke about their personal legal experiences and the challenges they faced during lengthy court proceedings.

Among those present were:

Capt. Rakesh Walia, a retired Indian Army officer, who stated that he spent several years contesting criminal allegations before receiving relief from the courts. Representatives of the foundation said they assisted him in pursuing legal remedies.

Dhiraj Gupta, who shared his experience of spending several months in custody before later obtaining legal relief. He also stated that separate legal proceedings were initiated by him regarding alleged extortion attempts.

Krishan Sharma, an international boxing player from Haryana, who spoke about his experience of facing criminal proceedings under the POCSO Act and the impact the case had on his personal and professional life.

Shyam Ruhil, who described an incident involving an alleged acid attack and earlier legal disputes.

Several other attendees also shared their experiences and discussed the emotional, social, and financial impact of prolonged legal proceedings.

The film received a positive response from many audience members. Several legal professionals present at the screening described Bandar as a film that raises important questions about due process, judicial fairness, and public discourse surrounding criminal allegations.

Speaking at the event, producer Nikhil Dwivedi said:

“This film is about justice and due process, which are fundamental pillars of any civilized society. Serious crimes must be investigated thoroughly and offenders must face the law, but every individual is also entitled to a fair hearing and due process before conclusions are drawn. Bandar seeks to contribute to that conversation.”

Addressing the audience after the screening, social activist Deepika Narayan Bharadwaj emphasized the need for open discussion on issues related to justice and legal rights.

She said that films and public dialogue can help create awareness about the complexities of legal processes and the impact such proceedings can have on individuals and families.

Bandar is scheduled for theatrical release on June 5.