Anshuman Jha Steps Behind The Camera For Lakadbaggha 2
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Actor Anshuman Jha will direct Lakadbaggha 2 – The Monkey Business, stepping in after a creative shift in leadership. The vigilante sequel takes the franchise global.
Actor-filmmaker Anshuman Jha is set to make his directorial debut with Lakadbaggha 2 – The Monkey Business, the much-anticipated sequel to his 2023 cult action film Lakadbaggha. Known for its gritty narrative and its unique vigilante hero who fights for animal rights, the franchise is now poised to expand its universe — this time under Jha's full creative leadership.
While early reports had suggested that the sequel would be helmed by adman and filmmaker Sanjay Shetty, the production took a notable turn after just three days of principal photography. In a move that echoes Aamir Khan's directorial takeover of Taare Zameen Par, Jha stepped in to direct the film himself. However, unlike the high-profile friction between Khan and Amole Gupte at the time, this transition has been described by insiders as collaborative and grounded in mutual respect.
A source from the production shared, 'Anshuman told the team, 'We will only make this film once — let's make it the best it can be, regardless of who directs.' It was never about ego, but about clarity and vision on the animal lover vigilante universe."
Second Assistant Director Aura Chandel offered further insight into the creative shift, stating that Jha had been hands-on from the beginning — from casting international martial arts icons like Sunny Pang and Dan Chupong to shaping the film's VFX, score, and emotional tone. 'Sanjay Sir and Anshuman share a mentor-mentee bond," she said. 'He assisted Sanjay on ad shoots when he was just 16. There's no bad blood — only a shared love for the project." The initial portions filmed under Shetty have reportedly been reshot, and the production now carries a renewed sense of focus and energy.
The decision for Jha to take over the director's chair is said to have stemmed from a need for creative alignment, with those close to the project asserting that Jha is most attuned to the emotional core and thematic ethos of the franchise — which blends high-octane action with a compassionate message around animal welfare. Shetty, meanwhile, continues to support the film as a creative consultant.
With this bold move, Anshuman Jha joins the ranks of actor-directors such as Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, and most recently, Dev Patel, who brought his singular vision to Monkey Man. For Jha, the transition isn't just about control behind the camera — it's about creating something meaningful and lasting.
As one crew member succinctly put it: 'He's not just making a film — he's building a legacy for the voiceless."
First Published:
June 27, 2025, 21:09 IST
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