Fans waiting to watch Anshuman Jha return as the animal-loving vigilante Arjun Bakshi will have to wait a little longer. The makers of Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business have postponed the film’s worldwide theatrical release from its planned Diwali 2026 window to early 2027. However, the delay comes with an exciting development: the action thriller will have its world premiere at the Razor Reel Flanders Film Festival in Belgium in November 2026. First Ray Films announced the update on social media, explaining that the revised release plan would give the team more time to prepare for a wider international theatrical rollout. The announcement also signals that the franchise is looking beyond its Indian audience as it takes its animal-loving vigilante universe to international genre-film enthusiasts.
Sharing the news, First Ray Films highlighted the importance of the festival premiere and the opportunity to expand the film’s global reach. The production house announced that Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business would premiere at the Razor Reel Flanders Film Festival on November 7, 2026, bringing the sequel before an international audience ahead of its theatrical release. The makers also indicated plans to present the film at the American Film Market (AFM) in November as they explore opportunities for a broader North American release in 2027. The move could help introduce the franchise to new viewers while building anticipation for the sequel. Although the wait for its Indian theatrical release has become longer, the festival appearance gives fans an early milestone to look forward to.
Directed by Victor Mukherjee, Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business stars Anshuman Jha, Sarah Jane Dias and Adil Hussain in key roles. The sequel continues the journey of Arjun Bakshi, a vigilante whose love for animals drives him to confront people involved in animal cruelty. The original Lakadbaggha stood out for combining martial arts action with a message about animal welfare, giving its central character a motivation that went beyond conventional revenge-driven action stories. With the second instalment, the filmmakers are expanding that concept while retaining the franchise’s distinctive focus on protecting animals. The subtitle, The Monkey Business, also hints at a new chapter in Arjun’s journey, although further plot details remain under wraps.
The decision to move the theatrical release to early 2027 is intended to provide the makers with more time to plan a wider launch. International film festivals and industry markets can play an important role in introducing independent and genre-focused films to distributors, exhibitors and audiences in different territories. For Lakadbaggha 2, the Belgian premiere offers a platform to showcase the sequel outside India before its planned global theatrical rollout. The team’s proposed North American distribution push could also help the franchise reach action-film audiences who appreciate stories with a distinctive cultural identity and a strong social message. While the exact worldwide release date has yet to be announced, the revised schedule gives the makers additional time to build international interest.
Meanwhile, fans will have another opportunity to revisit the story that started it all. The original Lakadbaggha is set to return to select cinemas across India in November 2026. The re-release will bring Arjun Bakshi’s first adventure back to the big screen, allowing existing fans to relive the film and introducing new viewers to the character before the sequel arrives. Revisiting the first instalment could also help refresh audience interest in the franchise, particularly as the makers prepare to take the next chapter to international audiences. For a film series built around animal protection and action, the theatrical return offers a timely reminder of the message that has shaped Arjun’s journey from the beginning.
With its Belgian world premiere, plans for the American Film Market and the return of the original film to select Indian theatres, Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business is entering an important phase ahead of its worldwide release. Anshuman Jha’s return as Arjun Bakshi remains central to the franchise, while Sarah Jane Dias, Adil Hussain and director Victor Mukherjee are part of the sequel’s next chapter. The shift from Diwali 2026 to early 2027 may disappoint viewers hoping to watch the film sooner, but the makers are using the additional time to pursue a broader release strategy. As the film prepares to reach new territories, the message behind the franchise remains unchanged: standing up against animal cruelty can be just as compelling as any high-stakes action adventure.