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Lakadbaggha 2: Anshuman Jha's Action Film to Screen at Cannes 2026

Anshuman Jha's 'Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business' will have an exclusive market screening at the Marche du Film in Cannes ahead of its world premiere. The film is the first official India-Indonesia co-production featuring a pan-Asian cast including Sunny Pang and Dan Chupong. Jennifer Pengal praised the film for giving purpose to action and giving voice to the voiceless. Jha said the film widens the animal-lover vigilante lens to all animals and questions what you stand for.

Key Points: Lakadbaggha 2 to Screen at Cannes 2026

  • Exclusive market screening at Cannes' Marche du Film
  • First official India-Indonesia co-production
  • Pan-Asian cast led by Sunny Pang, Dan Chupong
  • Animal-lover vigilante franchise with meaningful action
2 min read

India's 'Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business' to be screened at Cannes 2026

Anshuman Jha's 'Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business' gets exclusive market screening at Cannes' Marche du Film. India-Indonesia co-production with pan-Asian cast.

"What makes this film truly stand out is that the action isn't just spectacle--it has purpose. It gives a voice to the voiceless. - Jennifer Pengal"

Mumbai, May 12

Actor-director Anshuman Jha's 'Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business' is set for an exclusive market screening at the Marche du Film, Cannes, as it gears up for international distribution ahead of its official World Premiere later this year.

Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business is set against the backdrop of Indonesia.

The film marks a significant milestone as the first official India-Indonesia co-production, bringing together a dynamic pan-Asian cast led by Sunny Pang (Headshot, Havoc), Dan Chupong (Ong-Bak), alongside Adil Hussain (Life of Pi), Sarah-Jane Dias (Angry Indian Goddesses), and Anshuman Jha (LSD, Chauranga).

Jennifer Pengal of Webfilmland Productions, who has come on board as partners for German distribution, shared in a press note, "We first discovered Lakadbaggha at the Stuttgart Film Festival in 2023, where it won the Vision Award, and we've been tracking the franchise ever since. The global landscape doesn't have an animal-lover vigilante--and India hasn't produced an international martial arts star in this space. This film delivers both."

"Anshuman Jha brings a rare quality--there's a Bruce Lee-like intent, authenticity, and raw presence to his performance. What makes this film truly stand out is that the action isn't just spectacle--it has purpose. It gives a voice to the voiceless. This feels like a step forward for Asian martial arts cinema. It's not just action--it's action with a soul. And we believe it will resonate strongly with both action audiences and animal lovers across Europe," she added.

Speaking on the film's market debut, Jha shared, "Lakadbaggha 1 was rooted in my love for dogs; Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business widens that lens to all animals. Animals are going extinct because humanity is going extinct. We wanted to elevate the action--not just in intensity, but in meaning. Because beyond the fights lies the question of what you stand for. Marche du Film gives us the platform to bring this story to global audiences who value cinema that engages both the heart and the mind."

The film is backed by First Ray Films.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sneha F
Happy to see Anshuman Jha's hard work paying off. But I hope the animal rights message doesn't get lost in all the action. Action with soul? Let's see if it delivers on that promise. The first part was decent, but this sequel needs to be tighter. 🤞
R
Ravi K
Bruce Lee-like intent? Bold comparison! But I'm glad Indian cinema is exploring martial arts. We have so many talented martial artists in the country, but mainstream Bollywood ignores them. Hope this inspires more action films that actually respect the craft. 💪
L
Lakshmi X
"Animals are going extinct because humanity is going extinct" - that's a powerful line. We Indians have such deep cultural roots in respecting all life, from cows to peacocks. Good to see this philosophy getting a global, action-packed platform. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳🐘
N
Naveen S
First official India-Indonesia co-production? That's huge for soft power! Our neighbour's martial arts cinema (like The Raid) is legendary. Combining their action expertise with our storytelling? This could be a game-changer for Asian cinema. Hope it gets a wide release in India too. 🤞
P
Priya S
The first Lakadbaggha was so refreshing - an action hero who fights for animals instead of revenge or country. Glad they're expanding the vision. And Cannes market screening? That's no small feat for an indie film. Proud moment for Indian cinema! 🙌

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