Lakadbaggha and Beyond: How a Gritty Indie Thriller Sparked a Universe of Action, Heart, and Heroism

When Lakadbaggha first hit screens in January 2023, it didn't just deliver punches and kicks—it delivered a purpose.

Far from being a conventional action flick, the film dared to combine animal rights activism with bone-crunching martial arts, set against the haunting lanes of Kolkata. Directed by Victor Mukherjee, and penned by Alok Sharma, Lakadbaggha carved its own niche as India’s first animal-lover vigilante movie.

Starring Anshuman Jha as the brooding, compassionate Arjun Bakshi, the film follows his quest to find his missing dog, Shanku—a journey that thrusts him into the underworld of illegal animal trafficking. What made the film stand out was its rare focus on the striped hyena ("lakadbaggha" in Hindi), an endangered species often neglected in conservation dialogues. With stylized combat inspired by Krav Maga, a tight screenplay, and emotionally rich stakes, the film was a sleeper hit among critics and won over audiences when it premiered at global festivals like KIFF and HBO's SAIFF.

Though modest in its box office performance (reportedly grossing around ₹1 crore on a ₹7 crore budget), Lakadbaggha gained a cult following, especially after its ZEE5 digital release in June 2023.

Meet the Cast: An Ensemble Built for Purpose

Lakadbaggha thrived on casting that blended raw intensity with emotional realism. At its core:

• Anshuman Jha as Arjun Bakshi — the martial-arts-trained dog-lover turned vigilante.

• Riddhi Dogra as Akshara D’Souza — a conflicted Crime Branch officer.

• Paresh Pahuja as Aryan D’Souza — the suave antagonist.

• Eksha Kerung as the mysterious bodyguard.

• Milind Soman and Kharaj Mukherjee in powerful supporting roles.

• And finally, the elegant Denzil Smith as the high-ranking ACP.

  
  

Spotlight on the Powerhouses: Denzil Smith, Anshuman Jha & Sarah-Jane Dias

Anshuman Jha – Actor. Producer. Now Director.

Born in Allahabad in 1985, Anshuman Jha was drawn to performance art from a young age, training at Mumbai's Barry John Acting Studio by 17. He stormed into Bollywood with Dibakar Banerjee’s Love Sex Aur Dhokha (2010), earning a place among Rediff’s top ten actors of the year.

Jha's theatre roots and indie credibility made him the perfect fit for Arjun Bakshi. His physical transformation and Krav Maga training were instrumental in bringing authenticity to the role. Beyond acting, he produced Lakadbaggha and won Best Actor at HBO’s South Asian Film Festival.

In the upcoming sequel, Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business, Anshuman not only reprises his role but also steps in as director, promising a bigger, bolder, and more emotionally raw experience. Filming across Kolkata, West Java, and Bangkok, Jha is doubling down on realism and action.

Sarah-Jane Dias – Beauty Queen. Actor. Soulful Storyteller.

A Miss India winner (2007) and former VJ, Sarah-Jane Dias has navigated modeling, film, music, and wellness with grace. Born in Muscat to Goan parents, she transitioned from Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai (Tamil debut) to Bollywood’s Game and the globally acclaimed Angry Indian Goddesses.

In Lakadbaggha 2, Sarah joins the cast in a pivotal role described as a "quiet storm". Her presence brings depth and strength to the sequel’s expanded narrative around illegal primate trafficking. Off-screen, she continues to influence the digital wellness space, advocate for mental health, and serve as a cultural bridge across genres and industries.

🎥 Denzil Smith – The Gentleman of Stage and Screen

With a career spanning theatre, Bollywood, and Hollywood, Denzil Smith is a master of versatility. Trained at Mumbai’s NCPA, he cut his teeth under Alyque Padamsee and Naseeruddin Shah in productions like Les Liaisons Dangereuses and Death of a Salesman.

His filmography is staggering: The Lunchbox, Viceroy’s House, Tenet, Delhi Crime, and more. In Lakadbaggha, his portrayal of the ACP added gravitas and narrative balance. In the sequel, he's expected to reprise and possibly deepen his role as the law-enforcement face amidst a new wave of animal crimes.

What to Expect in Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business

The sequel shifts from Kolkata to Indonesia, focusing on illegal primate smuggling. The action promises to be more stylized, featuring Sunny Pang (of Headshot fame) and combat choreography trained in Bangkok. Sarah Jane’s addition enriches the emotional arcs, while Anshuman’s directorial debut is expected to ground the film in realism and narrative depth. Returning characters like Eksha Kerung and Riddhi Dogra round out the ensemble.

Set for a Winter 2025 release, Lakadbaggha 2 aims to push the envelope for Indian action cinema—with global ambition and local heart.

Stay tuned. The hyena has howled, but the jungle is just waking up.