Key Points

First Ray Films is celebrating its decade-long journey with an ambitious six-film announcement. The production house has three movies scheduled for theatrical release in the coming months, including the much-anticipated Lakadbaggha sequel. Founder Anshuman Jha emphasizes their philosophy of creating honest cinema that stands the test of time rather than chasing commercial budgets. The company aims to build a sustainable ecosystem that collaborates with global talent to produce bold and unforgettable stories.

Key Points: Anshuman Jha First Ray Films 10th Anniversary Six Film Slate

  • Six-film slate unveiled for company's 10th anniversary celebration
  • Three films set for theatrical release within six months
  • Lakadbaggha 2 sequel completed production earlier this year
  • New projects include Mumbai noir thriller and Bihar-set drama
  • Working with both established and debut directors globally
  • Focus on fresh, disruptive and honest storytelling approach
2 min read

Actor Anshuman Jha's First Ray Films unveils six-film slate with 'Lakadbaggha 2' on its 10th anniversary

First Ray Films announces six new films including Lakadbaggha 2 on its 10th anniversary, with three theatrical releases planned over the next six months.

"I have always believed that films don't fail, budgets fail - Anshuman Jha"

Mumbai, September 16

First Ray Films, the Mumbai-based independent production company founded by actor-producer-director Anshuman Jha, has unveiled a six-film slate as it marks its 10th anniversary, reported Variety.

The company has produced genre films, including social media thriller 'MonaDarling' (2016), LGBTQ+ road trip film 'Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele' which starred Zareen Khan in the lead role, and action film 'Lakadbaggha' (2023).

Three films are scheduled for theatrical release over the next six months. It includes directorial black comedy thriller 'Lord Curzon Ki Haveli,' followed by Harish Vyas's 'Hari Ka Om' and sequel 'Lakadbaggha 2,' which completed production earlier this year, reported Variety.

According to the outlet, the company will also begin production on three new projects in 2026, working with both established and debut directors.

The slate includes an untitled noir-thriller set in Mumbai at the cusp of the millennium about twins. Another includes 'Bajrangi,' directed by Parth Saurabh and 'Ovi & The Monk,' the debut feature from Jasraj Padhaye, reported Variety.

'Ovi & The Monk' centres on a boy who travels across the Himalayas to reunite a dog with its owner following his father's death during the pandemic.

'Bajrangi' is set in Bihar and examines themes of service and tradition in contemporary India, according to Variety.

"I have always believed that films don't fail, budgets fail," said Jha, as quoted by Variety.

"For us to have survived for over a decade is a testament to the audiences who are willing to embrace stories that are fresh, disruptive, and honest. I am deeply grateful to our investors whose faith has kept us going -- their belief proves that films can not only make a cultural impact but also be a profitable game in the long run, much like what A24 has shown globally," added Jha.

"My hope is to turn it into an ecosystem that survives beyond me. We aren't creating projects, we are creating honest cinema -- in collaboration with talent from all around the globe -- which will stand the test of time -- hopefully. Our slate is bold, disruptive and hopefully unforgettable," said Anshuman Jha as quoted by Variety.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Love that they're focusing on diverse stories - from LGBTQ+ films to Bihar-based narratives. This is exactly what Indian cinema needs more of. Wishing them success!
R
Rohit P
Anshuman Jha's point about budgets is so true! So many good films fail because of unrealistic spending. Hope this model works and inspires other indie filmmakers.
S
Sarah B
'Ovi & The Monk' sounds absolutely heartwarming! A boy traveling across Himalayas with a dog? Already emotional thinking about it. 🐕❤️
M
Michael C
While I appreciate the ambition, I hope they don't spread themselves too thin with six films. Quality over quantity should be the focus, especially for an indie studio.
N
Nisha Z
Bajrangi set in Bihar examining service and tradition? This could be such an authentic representation of heartland India. Hope they get the local nuances right!
K
Karthik V
10 years in the film industry is no joke! Respect to First Ray Films for surviving and thriving. Their filmography shows they actually care about storytelling. 👏

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