Bombay High Court clears OTT release of Hindi film ‘Bandar’ with disclaimers

The Bombay High Court has cleared the release of the Hindi feature film Bandar on online streaming platforms subject to disclaimers [XYZ v. Karan Oberoi & Ors.].

Justice Abhay Ahuja passed the order on August 27 in a suit filed by a rape survivor claiming the film, directed by Anurag Kashyap, monetized her personal trauma

The Court accepted joint submissions from both sides claiming that English and Hindi disclaimer cards will appear at the start of the digital broadcast.

In view of this, Justice Ahuja allowed the movie to premiere on Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms on August 28, as scheduled. 

The film had already released in movie theatres in June this year.

The legal dispute arose after a rape survivor filed an urgent civil suit. She demanded ₹2,600 crore in damages from the producers, actors and media distributors. 

Her application sought a permanent injunction against the film's release under its Hindi title Bandar.

The woman claimed to have filed a complaint against actor Karan Oberoi alleging rape in May 2019. Police authorities arrested Oberoi during the investigation and subsequently filed a detailed chargesheet. Trial proceedings against the actor remain active before the competent trial court.

Her lawsuit claimed that Bandar illegally adapted her personal life story without her consent. She highlighted nineteen distinct similarities between real-life events and the movie script. Her plaint alleged that the film depicted her as unstable to prejudice public opinion.

The movie producer Saffron Magicworks maintained that the movie is a dramatized work of fiction. They explained that the storyline addressed broader systemic issues within the criminal justice system. 

They also emphasised that the project cost over ₹25 crore and premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025. The theatrical release took place nationwide in June 2026.

Justice Ahuja declined to grant any stay on August 24 after noting the movie had already completed its theatrical run. 

The Court asked the woman to identify specific objectionable scenes for review. Meanwhile, the producers agreed to show disclaimers which the woman accepted. 

The High Court accepted the undertakings and formally cleared the OTT broadcast.

Advocates Rajiv Singh, Sufiya Khan and Mansha Bhatia appeared for the woman.

Advocates Yash Joglekar and Kajal S appeared for Oberoi.

Advocates Hiren Kamod, Kunal Parekh and Nirali Atha briefed by Dua Associates appeared for Zee Entertainment.

Senior advocate Ashish Kamat with advocates Rashmin Khandekar, Anand Mohan, Ameet Naik, Madhu Godadia, Amruta T, Siddharth Shah and Kunal briefed by Anand and Naik appeared for Saffron Magicworks.

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