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Bandwaale trailer: Shalini Pandey and Zahan Kapoor lead a band of small-town misfits bridging the gap between brass and beats to make art against all odds

Bandwaale a musical dramedy on Prime Video (Feb 13), follows three misfits in Ratlam blending brass and electronic music to find their voices despite societal norms and generational divides.

Bandwaale trailer: Shalini Pandey and Zahan Kapoor lead a band of small-town misfits bridging the gap between brass and beats to make art against all odds
Shalini Pandey; Swanand Kirkire; Zahan Kapoor in stills from Bandwaale trailer

The official trailer for Prime Video's upcoming Hindi original series Bandwaale was unveiled today. Featuring music helmed by Ankur Tewari and Swanand Kirkire, the musical dramedy takes place in the sleepy little town of Ratlam. On February 13, 2026, the platform will stream the eight-part series.

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Who are the central "misfit" characters in Bandwaale?

Mariam, played by Shalini Pandey, is a young woman negotiating Ratlam's stringent societal norms, as shown in the trailer. She starts posting her poetry anonymously on social media, as she is afraid people will condemn her because of her talent. Two other local misfits cross her path on her path to self-discovery: Robo, played by Swanand Kirkire, a traditional brass band vocalist fighting for relevancy, and DJ Psycho, played by Zahan Kapoor, a mysterious youngster who takes odd jobs and experiments with electronic rhythms and sound design.

In this story, we follow the trio as they try to unite electronic music with classic brass band sounds. They band together under the name "Maina" and work through the challenges of family pressure, financial instability, and the "digital insults" that accompany small-town stardom to discover their own creative identity. The trailer emphasises the generational divide over music, showing how the older generation views it as a sacred ritual for funerals and weddings, while the younger generation views it as a means of self-expression.

Which artists contributed to Bandwaale's unique sound and poetry?

Since music plays such a significant role in the show, Yashraj Mukhate composed the original music for the production. Moving beyond the viral short-form work that first garnered him national notoriety, this project signifies his debut as a composer for a long-form series. Kausar Munir's poetry, which Mariam mostly uses to express herself, bolsters the show's emotional heart.

ALSO READ: Bandwaale OTT release date: When and where to watch Zahan Kapoor, Shalini Pandey's musical dramedy

Ankur Tewari and Delhi Belly director Akshat Verma are co-helming the series. Tewari and Kirkire set out to reflect the genuine spirit of middle-Indian inventiveness when they penned the script. Ashish Vidyarthi, Sanjana Dipu, and Anupama Kumar are all part of the ensemble cast.

How do Shalini Pandey and Zahan Kapoor describe their characters' internal struggle?

Pandey said that the character of Mariam is defined by a continual balancing act between her emotions and the expectations of others when discussing her role. "Poetry becomes her most honest form of expression, a space where she can be vulnerable without fear," said Pandey. She went on to say that the part called for an examination of constraint and stillness, traits frequently seen in people trying to find their voice in a rural environment.

Kapoor, who starred in the criminal thriller Black Warrant on Netflix, plays the role of DJ Psycho. The actor said that the character he played was a mysterious individual who found solace in band music. "He gets swept up in the lives of Mariam and Robo while his old life lurks in the corner," added Kapoor. The filming process, he said, was enlightening because it enabled a layered narrative based on the connection between sound design and music.

When and where can viewers watch Bandwaale?

Bandwaale is the latest addition to Prime Video's repertoire of Indian originals that center on stories inspired by creators and founded on reality. The show aims to tell a universal story about the bravery needed to pursue art despite obstacles by combining comedic elements with a coming-of-age emotional journey.

Shalini Pandey Performances

Prime Video will begin streaming the series on February 13, 2026.

Bandwaale FAQs

Q: What is the release date of the series Bandwaale?

A: Bandwaale is scheduled to premiere globally on Friday, February 13, 2026, exclusively on Prime Video.

Q: Who is the composer for the Bandwaale series?

A: Bandwaale features original compositions by Yashraj Mukhate, marking his official debut as a composer for a long-form series. The show also features poetry penned by Kausar Munir.

Q: Who is in the cast of Bandwaale?

A: Bandwaale stars Shalini Pandey (as Mariam), Zahan Kapoor (as DJ Psycho), and Swanand Kirkire (as Robo). The ensemble cast also includes Ashish Vidyarthi, Sanjana Dipu, and Anupama Kumar.

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