Top News

Adil Hussain: The upcoming sequel Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business has taken a significant creative turn with the inclusion of acclaimed actor Adil Hussain, who steps into the role of the sensei, previously associated with Milind Soman. This casting choice signals a deeper emotional and philosophical layer for the franchise, which has steadily built a reputation for blending martial arts action with a strong ethical stance on animal welfare. The sequel is positioned not merely as an action film but as a continuation of a socially conscious cinematic universe that speaks to contemporary audiences.

A Meaningful Addition to the Sequel

Adil Hussain has expressed genuine admiration for the first Lakadbaggha film, citing its rare focus on animal rights as a major reason for joining the sequel. According to him, stories that stand firmly for animal welfare have been largely absent from mainstream cinema for decades. His association with Lakadbaggha 2 therefore feels less like a routine casting decision and more like a shared ideological commitment between actor and filmmakers. This alignment adds authenticity to his role and strengthens the moral backbone of the narrative.

Reuniting With Anshuman Jha

Another key factor behind Adil Hussain’s involvement is his prior professional relationship with Anshuman Jha. The two have previously collaborated both as co-actors and with Anshuman in the director’s chair. In Lakadbaggha 2, Anshuman Jha not only reprises his role as Arjun Bakshi but also takes on expanded responsibilities behind the scenes. Adil Hussain has acknowledged the demanding nature of the martial arts training and action choreography, while also crediting Anshuman for creating a supportive and collaborative working environment that made the process creatively fulfilling.

Growth of the Lakadbaggha Franchise

The Lakadbaggha franchise is widely described as the world’s first animal lover vigilante universe, a label that sets it apart in the action genre. The sequel wrapped its shoot in June 2025, reflecting a noticeable scale-up in production design, action set pieces, and international collaboration. Lakadbaggha 2 aims to balance high-octane martial arts spectacle with a narrative conscience, reinforcing the idea that action cinema can also be socially responsible.

An International Martial Arts Ensemble

One of the defining aspects of Lakadbaggha 2 is its formidable international cast. The film features globally recognized martial arts performers such as Sunny Pang and Dan CChupong, both known for their intense screen presence and physical authenticity. Their inclusion elevates the action quotient while giving the film a global appeal. Alongside them, Indian actors including Sarah Jane Dias and Vikram Kochar join Anshuman Jha to create a diverse ensemble that reflects the franchise’s expanding vision.

Adil Hussain’s Theatre and Early Career Roots

Before his prominence in films, Adil Hussain earned critical acclaim in theatre, particularly for his performance in Othello: A Play in Black and White, which received the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe First award. His collaboration with director Roysten Abel continued with Goodbye Desdemona, further establishing him as a performer of depth and versatility. His early work laid a strong foundation for the nuanced roles he would later take on across languages and industries.

Transition to Film and Television

Adil Hussain made his Bengali film debut in the period drama Iti Srikanta, where he appeared alongside Soha Ali Khan in a lead role. On television, he reached a wider audience through the detective series Jasoos Vijay, produced by the BBC World Service Trust. These projects showcased his ability to adapt seamlessly between formats while maintaining strong character integrity.

Recognition in Indian and International Cinema

His breakthrough in mainstream Hindi cinema came with Abhishek Chaubey’s Ishqiya, which drew attention to his understated yet powerful screen presence. Around the same time, he appeared in films such as Agent Vinod, Gangor, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, and Life of Pi, working with renowned directors across India and abroad. These projects positioned him as an actor capable of contributing meaningfully to both commercial and artistic cinema.

A Diverse and Consistent Filmography

Over the years, Adil Hussain has built an impressively diverse body of work, ranging from English Vinglish and Lootera to Assamese films like Raag: The Rhythm of Love, Sringkhal, and Rodor Sithi. His performances in socially driven films such as Parched, Mukti Bhawan, and Love Sonia further highlight his preference for content-rich storytelling. Appearances in large-scale productions like 2.0, Aiyaary, and Bioscopewala demonstrate his ability to move fluidly between intimate dramas and big-budget spectacles.

Looking Ahead to Lakadbaggha 2

Scheduled for a mid-2026 release, Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business represents the next chapter in a franchise that merges action, ideology, and entertainment. With Adil Hussain stepping into a pivotal mentor-like role, the sequel is poised to deepen its emotional impact while delivering a visually compelling martial arts experience. For audiences seeking cinema that combines adrenaline with awareness, Lakadbaggha 2 stands as a promising and distinctive offering.