Anshuman Jha-starrer 2023 action-thriller Lakadbaggha is gearing up for the release of its sequel, Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business in mid-2026. Now, we have learnt that actor Adil Hussain has joined the film’s cast replacing actor Milind Soman in the role of the sensei in the sequel.

The role has been significantly expanded in the sequel and will see the sensei character play a pivotal role in the protagonist’s journey. Confirming his casting, Adil says, he was inspired by the first film of the series. “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 (1971) in the seventies,” he says, crediting Anshuman for his support during the action training and sequences:

“The martial arts training and action sequences were challenging, but Anshuman was incredibly supportive and generous throughout the process.”

The film features martial arts legends Sunny Pang, known for Headshot (2016), Havoc (2025) and Dan Chupong from OngBak series. The Indian cast includes Sarah Jane Dias, Vikram Kochar, and Anshuman, who reprises his role from the first film. The sequel’s shoot wrapped up in June 2025, and Anshuman also takes on the director’s chair for this film.

Ad filmmaker Sanjay Shetty was to helm Lakadbaggha 2 — The Monkey Business, an actioner led by Anshuman Jha. But it looks like the film, which revolves around an animal-lover vigilante, has had a change in leadership. Three days after Shetty kicked off the shoot in Mumbai last month, Jha stepped in to direct the film. 

A source close to the production said, “Sanjay and Anshuman weren’t seeing the same film; there was a mismatch of vision. As someone who has been part of the franchise since its inception, Anshuman understands the world. So, he felt like the right person to take charge of the project.”

Shetty has remained on the film as a creative consultant.

The transition in the leadership has been smooth, reveals assistant director Aura Chandel, saying, “Anshuman has been involved from day one — from casting international martial artists like Sunny Pang and Dan Chupong, to shaping the narrative. Sanjay sir has been Anshuman’s mentor. There’s no bad blood. The initial bits have been reshot.”