Cinema VinesIn a landmark moment for Indian cinema, the sequel to the cult animal‑loving vigilante film Lakadbaggha, titled Lakadbaggha 2 – The Monkey Business, made its world premiere at the Razor Reel Flanders Film Fest in Bruges, Belgium. The film was officially selected for the festival’s 2026 programme after the programming team spotted it at the Marché du Film during Cannes 2026. The selection marks the first time an Indian action franchise has opened at the prestigious Belgian festival.
Directed by and starring Anshuman Jha, who first introduced the character Arjun Bakshi in the original Lakadbaggha, the sequel expands the story’s reach by blending Indian vigilante themes with a pan‑Asian martial arts aesthetic. The international cast features Chinese action star Sunny Pang, known for Headshot and Netflix’s Havoc opposite Tom Hardy, Thai martial artist Dan Chupong of Ong Bak fame, and Indian actors Adil Hussain, Sarah Jane Dias, Vikram Kochar, and Jha himself.
Festival Director Patrick Van Hauwaert praised the film, saying, “Watching Lakadbaggha 2 felt like a journey back to the golden age of martial arts cinema from my youth. Beyond the fantastic hand‑to‑hand combat, its urgent focus on exposing the cruelty of illegal wildlife smuggling makes it a truly impactful watch. It’s a gripping story that stays with you.” The film’s blend of high‑octane action and environmental messaging, centered on the endangered Yaki Monkey, has drawn attention as a potential global franchise.
Beyond its cinematic appeal, Lakadbaggha 2 is also a milestone in international co‑production, being a joint effort between India and Indonesia. The film’s journey began with a debut at the Kolkata International Film Festival and an international premiere at SAIFF New York, where Jha earned Best Actor honors in 2023. Anshuman Jha reflected on the project’s ethos: “Animals are going extinct because humanity is going extinct. Lakadbaggha was always an unusual film for India — an animal lover who becomes a vigilante — a love letter to dogs. With Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business, we wanted to take that world much further and create an action film that could speak to audiences in India and beyond.”
