From Lagos to Bollywood: Istanboss Lands First Film Role in Bandar

Agu Stanley Chiedozie, the Nigerian content creator widely known as Istanboss, is set to make his Bollywood debut in filmmaker Anurag Kashyap’s crime thriller Bandar. The film marks a major milestone for the social media star, whose journey from student life in India to mainstream cinema has attracted widespread attention.

Stanley, who arrived in India from Lagos in 2019 to pursue a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at Amity University in Lucknow, has built a large following through videos that explore Indian culture, language and everyday life. His fluency in Hindi and several regional languages helped him connect with audiences across the country, making him one of the most recognisable foreign creators in India’s digital space.

A Bollywood Debut Years in the Making

For Stanley, joining Bandar carries special significance because it reunites him with the filmmaker whose work first introduced him to Hindi cinema.

He recalled that Gangs of Wasseypur was among the first Hindi films he watched after arriving in India. The experience sparked his interest in Bollywood and motivated him to learn the language.

“Watching Gangs of Wasseypur changed my life. Anurag Kashyap was one of the reasons why I have become what I am today,” Stanley said in an interview.

Reflecting on his casting in Bandar, he described the experience as a “full-circle moment,” adding that if he had not enjoyed his first Hindi film, he may never have continued exploring Indian cinema or improved his Hindi.

Working With Anurag Kashyap

Despite Kashyap’s reputation for intense storytelling, Stanley described the filmmaker as approachable and straightforward.

“Bahut chill aadmi hai,” he said,

Explaining that Kashyap preferred direct communication and maintained a relaxed atmosphere on set.

Stanley spent around 10 days working closely with the director and said the experience left a lasting impression. He described their collaboration as comfortable and expressed interest in working with Kashyap again in the future.

His role in Bandar reportedly sees him playing a Nigerian character lodged in jail, marking his first appearance in a mainstream Hindi feature film.

Learning From Bobby Deol

Sharing screen space with actor Bobby Deol was another highlight of the project for Stanley.

He praised Deol’s performance in Bandar and said observing the actor at work taught him valuable lessons about versatility and emotional commitment.

“I’m looking forward to you guys seeing what Bobby Deol has pulled off in this movie,” Stanley said.

He pointed to a scene in which Deol had to cry, explaining that watching the actor immerse himself in the role reinforced the importance of being open to different kinds of characters.

“You should always be able to show up in whatever character you’re given,” he said.

Building a Career Beyond Social Media

Before entering films, Stanley became popular through content that highlighted cultural differences and everyday experiences in India. His videos often featured cricket, local languages, public transport and humorous observations about life in the country.

Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and fluent in Hindi, Marathi, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, English, Igbo and Yoruba, he has cultivated an audience of nearly one million Instagram followers.

Stanley says he prefers authenticity in his content and believes audiences quickly recognise when creators are not being genuine.

His first major professional production experience came through an advertisement featuring comedian Kapil Sharma. Moving from filming videos in a college hostel room to working on large-scale productions with extensive crews was, he admitted, overwhelming.

Opening Doors for African Talent

Stanley believes his growing visibility carries a broader responsibility. He said many Africans living in India have reached out to tell him that his success inspires them.

He hopes his work can help challenge stereotypes and create opportunities for future African artists in Indian entertainment.

“I’ve come to understand that I’m opening the market for my people,” he said.

He added that Nigerians are often viewed through a negative lens in India and hopes his career can contribute to changing those perceptions.

What Is Bandar About?

Directed by Anurag Kashyap, Bandar—internationally titled Monkey in a Cage—stars Bobby Deol in the lead role. The film follows Samar, a fading television star whose life begins to unravel after a serious accusation from a former partner.

The story examines themes of power, public perception, justice and institutional failure. Inspired by real events, the film premiered in the Special Presentations section at the Toronto International Film Festival and features an ensemble cast including Sanya Malhotra, Saba Azad, Sapna Pabbi, Raj B. Shetty, Jitendra Joshi, Indrajith Sukumaran and Riddhi Sen.

Beyond Bandar, Stanley is also set to appear in the Telugu musical fantasy Sing Geetham, backed by veteran filmmaker Singeetam Srinivasa Rao, and is attached to another comedy project featuring Piyush Mishra and Mahesh Manjrekar.