Bandook OTT release date: When and where to stream rural crime drama
Bandook OTT release date: Debutant writer-director Mahesh Ravikumar’s Bandook released in theatres alongside the hit comedy Su From So and ended up flying under audience’s radar. It's now OTT bound
Last Updated: 09.29 PM, Jan 13, 2026
Bandook, a crime drama with two parallel narratives, written and directed by debutant Mahesh Ravikumar, is making its digital debut this week. Starring Partha, Shwetha Prasad, Balaji Manohar and Gopalkrishna Deshpande, among others, the film, which released in theatres on July 25, 2025, along with the more successful Su From So, will be on Lionsgate Play from January 16, 2026. It will also be available on OTTplay Premium.
| TITLE | Bandook |
| DIRECTOR | Mahesh Ravikumar |
| CAST | Partha, Balaji Manohar, Shwetha Prasad |
| STREAMING PLATFORM | Lionsgate Play (via OTTplay Premium also) |
| STREAMING DATE | January 16, 2026 |
How do a series of murders connect to an orphanage in a remote village in Bandook?
Mahesh’s film follows two narrative tracks – one about a series of mysterious murders in which the bodies are found dumped in a river and another, about an orphanage where everything seems hunky dory, until a bunch of youngsters discover secrets that force them to try and escape. How the twain meet and explores the emotional and psychological effects of violence on impressionable minds is what the rest of the narrative is about.
The film is set in a remote village, where Mitra (Partha) runs an illegal arm racket, while also serving as the local diver to fish out the bodies that have been dumped in the river. Shwetha plays Roopa, the cop investigating the case, while Balaji Manohar is Rudra, her husband, who’s still mourning the loss of their child. On the other hand, Advaitha (Gopalkrishna Deshpande), whose orphanage presents a very rosy picture, until certain secrets are revealed. The film focuses more on the why of the crimes than the who.
Bandook is the first original Kannada film that Lionsgate Play picked up for digital streaming rights, following last year’s Mr Rani. Despite issues with execution, Bandook has been described as a compelling watch.
Bandook FAQs
Q. Where to watch Bandook?
A. Bandook, directed by Mahesh Ravikumar, will be on Lionsgate Play from January 16, 2026. It will be available via OTTplay Premium also.
Q. Who is on the cast of Bandook?
A. Bandook stars Partha, Shwetha Prasad, Balaji Manohar, Gopalkrishna Deshpande, Shankar Ashwath, Harish Roy, among others.