Adil Hussain Joins Lakadbaggha 2, Replacing Milind Soman in the Animal Lover Vigilante Universe

Adil Hussain joins “Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business” as the new sensei, taking over from Milind Soman in the follow-up to the vigilante drama. The sequel, described as sharper and darker, is planned for release later this year and extends the story of animal-rights crusader Arjun Bakshi.

The Lakadbaggha franchise presents “the world's first animal lover vigilante universe”, where action scenes sit beside themes of compassion for animals. Alongside the films, the Lakadbaggha comic book universe, launched last year, is expanding in step with the screen story and aims at a wider global audience.

Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business cast and action universe

The makers pitch Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business as a martial arts action film with a strong international line-up. Martial arts veterans Sunny Pang, known from “Headshot” and “Havoc”, and Dan CChupong from “OngBak” lead the global cast. Sarah Jane Dias, Vikram Kochar and Anshuman Jha head the Indian side.

Role / Segment	Names	Notable Work
Sensei	Adil Hussain	Life of Pi
International martial arts cast	Sunny Pang, Dan CChupong	Headshot, Havoc, OngBak
Indian cast	Anshuman Jha, Sarah Jane Dias, Vikram Kochar	Lakadbaggha franchise

Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business story and sensei arc

Best known worldwide for “Life of Pi”, Adil Hussain now plays a sensei whose part grows strongly in Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business. The sequel is said to carry more intense action and a darker tone, with the mentor having crucial influence on Arjun Bakshi’s moral choices and fighting skills.

Recasting is familiar in global franchises such as James Bond, Superman and Spider-Man, and Indian cinema is now exploring the same idea. The Lakadbaggha team finished shooting the sequel in June 2025, after scaling up the production once lead actor Anshuman Jha also assumed duties behind the camera.

Sharing thoughts on joining the project, Adil Hussain said, "Watching Lakadbaggha-1 was so inspiring. It felt like someone was finally making a film that stood up for the rights of animals—something we haven't seen in decades, perhaps since Haathi Mere Saathi in the seventies. I also had the good fortune of working with Anshuman Jha, both under his direction and as a co-actor. The martial arts training and action sequences were challenging, but Anshuman has been incredibly supportive and generous throughout the process. I'm truly grateful to be part of the Lakadbaggha franchise."

Beyond this casting shift, Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business is slated for a mid-2026 release, signalling the franchise’s next step. The series continues to mix martial arts spectacle with a focus on conscience and animal welfare, aiming to build a distinct identity within Indian and international action cinema.