Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business — What to Expect
The premise: vigilantism goes global
Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business is set to continue the story of Arjun Bakshi, an animal-rights crusader who won't back down from confronting those who exploit wildlife. This time, the action moves beyond Indian borders — to the rainforests of West Java, Indonesia, where the endangered Celebes crested macaque (also called the Yaki monkey) faces extinction at the hands of traffickers. The sequel promises hand-to-hand combat woven with a conservation message, centering on global wildlife trafficking rather than domestic cruelty alone. It's the kind of premise that doesn't shy away from mixing spectacle with substance.
What we know so far
According to Bollywood Hungama, this is the first India-Indonesia film co-production of its kind, marking a significant expansion for the Lakadbaggha franchise. Anshuman Jha not only stars but also directs — he took over the helm after original director Sanjay Shetty stepped back, though Shetty remains on as creative consultant. The ensemble cast includes Adil Hussain (replacing Milind Soman as the Sensei figure), Sarah Jane Dias, Vikram Kochhar, Sunny Pang, and Dan Chupong. First Ray Films is producing.
The film is positioned as an action thriller — not a documentary, not a preachy polemic, but genre entertainment with teeth. That balance is harder to pull off than it sounds.
Why anticipation is building
The original Lakadbaggha (2023) proved there's an audience willing to invest in a vigilante narrative wrapped around animal welfare. Jha's hands-on involvement — as star, producer, and now director — suggests creative commitment beyond the typical franchise obligation. What's striking is how few mainstream action films actually center endangered species and trafficking networks as their driving conflict. The Celebes crested macaque isn't a household name; the choice to focus on that species, rather than a more telegenic animal, signals the filmmakers aren't chasing easy sentiment.
There's also the international co-production angle. Indonesian locations and crew involvement could bring authenticity to the setting that a studio backlot can't replicate — though whether the final film captures that remains to be seen, obviously.
Release date and where to watch
Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business is expected to release theatrically worldwide during the Diwali 2026 window. The film hasn't been released yet, and streaming availability hasn't been confirmed. Movie OTT will track platform announcements as rights deals are finalized. Check the Where-to-Watch widget on this page for updates as the release approaches.
Frequently asked questions
When is Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business releasing? The film is scheduled for a Diwali 2026 theatrical release, which typically falls in late October or early November.
Is Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business out yet? No. It hasn't been released. The film is in post-production and expected to arrive in 2026.
Where will I be able to watch Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business? Streaming and digital rights haven't been announced yet. It will release in cinemas first. Movie OTT will update this page once platform details are confirmed.
Who's in the cast? Anshuman Jha leads, with Adil Hussain, Sarah Jane Dias, Vikram Kochhar, Sunny Pang, and Dan Chupong rounding out the ensemble.
Will this clash with other big releases? Yes. The Diwali window is competitive — trade reports indicate it'll compete with Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana Part 1.
What's next
The real test won't come until audiences actually see the film — and that's still months away. For now, what you can do is keep an eye on Movie OTT for trailer drops, cast interviews, and release-window updates. The franchise's willingness to go international, to name-check a lesser-known primate species, and to let its lead actor steer the ship — those are the threads worth watching.