Entertainment, Jan 22: Actor Adil Hussain has come on board Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business, stepping into the role of the sensei and replacing Milind Soman in the upcoming sequel, which is slated for release later this year. The casting change signals a significant shift in the franchise, with the character expected to have a much stronger presence in the film’s darker and more action-oriented narrative.
According to the makers, the sequel expands the thematic scope of the first film by continuing its focus on animal rights while raising the scale of its martial arts and action sequences. The sensei character, now reimagined with greater depth, is set to play a decisive role in guiding the protagonist, Arjun Bakshi, as the story moves into more intense and high-stakes territory.
Hussain said he was drawn to the project because of the original film’s emphasis on standing up for animals, a subject he believes is rarely addressed in mainstream Hindi cinema. He also spoke about reuniting with Anshuman Jha, with whom he has previously collaborated both as a director and a co-actor. Describing the experience on set, Hussain said the martial arts training and action choreography were physically demanding, but added that Jha’s support made the process fulfilling.
Internationally recognised for his performance in Life of Pi, Hussain steps into a role that has been substantially expanded for the sequel. The filmmakers have indicated that the sensei will be central to shaping Arjun Bakshi’s evolution, adding emotional and philosophical layers to the action-driven storyline.
Lakadbaggha 2 features an international martial arts ensemble, including Sunny Pang, known for films such as Headshot and Havoc, and Thai action star Dan Chupong of Ong-Bak fame. The Indian cast includes Sarah Jane Dias and Vikram Kochar, alongside Anshuman Jha, who returns as the ordinary man turned animal-loving vigilante.
The Lakadbaggha universe has also grown beyond cinema, with a comic book series launched last year to expand the story’s mythology. The makers have positioned the project as a long-term, multi-format action franchise with ambitions to reach global audiences. Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business is currently scheduled for a mid-2026 release.
