Anshuman Jha unveils teaser poster of Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business; announces Diwali 2026 release

First Ray Films has unveiled the teaser poster of the much-anticipated action thriller Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business, marking a special moment for the franchise and its creator. The announcement coincides with the birthday of actor-director Anshuman Jha, making the reveal both a celebration of the film and a personal milestone for the artist.

The film centres around the endangered Celebes crested macaque, a rare primate native to Indonesia, also known as the North Sulawasi ‘Yaki Monkey’.

Along with the teaser poster drop, the makers have officially announced the film’s worldwide theatrical release for Diwali 2026, positioning the sequel as one of the festival season’s big action spectacles. The film will be having a high profile film festival run between June-November prior to its Worldwide release.

Directed by Anshuman Jha, Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business continues the story of Kolkata based Arjun Bakshi — the animal-loving vigilante who, once again, will go the distance to protect voiceless creatures from cruelty and exploitation - this time in the forests of West Java, Indonesia. Expanding the universe beyond India, the sequel ventures into Southeast Asia, tackling the global issue of wildlife trafficking.

Blending intense hand-to-hand combat with a strong environmental message, the film builds on the spirit of the first installment, which introduced audiences to a unique action hero driven not by revenge, but by compassion for animals.

Alongside Anshuman, the film also stars Sarah Jane Dias, Adil Hussain, Vikram Kochhar and also features international martial arts star Sunny Pang, last seen with Tom Hardy in Havoc, alongside a diverse global cast including Dan-Chupong of Ong-Bak, reinforcing the franchise’s ambition to create an action story that transcends borders while spotlighting urgent ecological issues.

Speaking about the announcement, Jha shared, “This film is deeply personal to me. Lord Hanuman has inspired me since I was a kid - he represents strength, loyalty, courage and service to me. This film is not just a sequel to Lakadbaggha 1. It is a small cinematic prayer to Lord Hanuman, the art of never giving up and a humble tribute to the extraordinary animals who share this planet with us. And the project reflects his belief that humanity’s relationship with nature must be rooted in respect and responsibility. I truly believe and live by the mantra that being ordinary is a superpower.”

Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business is scheduled for a Diwali 2026 worldwide theatrical release.

Also Read: Anshuman Jha talks about the importance of right casting and why he turned down Vikrant Massey’s role in Half Girlfriend

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Neetu Kapoor denies news about Kapoor family copyrighting Rishi Kapoor's name

A recent news report claims that the Kapoor family obtained the necessary permission to copyright the actor’s name posthumously. The decision, according to the report, ensures that any individual or organisation seeking to use Rishi Kapoor’s name in commercial, professional, or public contexts must first obtain approval from the family.

However, when this writer contacted the late actor Rishi Kapoor’s wife Neetu Kapoor, she admitted she had no knowledge of any such move by the family. Mrs Kapoor replied, “Hi Subhash, I am not aware of this.” When I asked if this was false news, she replied. “I think so. I am not sure.”

Close family friend and singer Nitin Mukesh said, “I don’t think this can be true. I mean Chintu, who was like my brother, didn’t have a stylized personality, unlike Raj uncle (Rishi Kapoor’s father Raj Kapoor) who was known for his mannerisms that were universally copied. Chintu was….how do I put it…inimitable.”

Of late, there have been some actors known for their patented acting style like Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff and Shatrughan Sinha, who have gone to court to have their personalities copyrighted. But Rishi Kapoor seems a case of barking up the wrong tree.

Also Read: Farah Khan recalls underworld threat during Kuch Kuch Hota Hai premiere: “Karan Johar was very stressed”

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Haryana Women’s Commission seeks Badshah’s arrest

The Haryana State Commission for Women has directed the Haryana police to seize Badshah’s passport, so he cannot leave the country and that he be arrested immediately.

These harsh steps have been evoked after Badshah’s song ‘Tateeree’ provoked strong reactions. On March 6, Badshah skipped the hearing at the Women’s Commission.

Calling for his immediate arrest, the Commission has accused Badshah of denigrating the women and girls of Haryana. It would be hard for rappers-singers like Badshah and Yo Yo Honey Singh to get away with problematic lyrics in the future.

Also Read: Sona Mohapatra slams Badshah over ‘Tateeree’ controversy: “This isn’t creativity. It’s the laziest trope in pop culture”

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Sharvari leads her generation's biggest film line-up; 2 massive theatrical releases set to arrive in just 28 days

Sharvari is fast emerging as one of the most exciting talents of her generation, and her growing filmography is proof that the industry’s biggest filmmakers and banners are betting big on her. The young actress has built an enviable line-up that includes Imtiaz Ali’s Main Vaapas Aaunga, Aditya Chopra’s Alpha, Sooraj Barjatya’s Yeh Prem Mol Liya, and YRF and Ali Abbas Zafar’s untitled next, in which she is paired opposite Ahaan Panday.

What makes her upcoming slate even more remarkable is that Sharvari has two major theatrical releases within a span of just 28 days. While Main Vaapas Aaunga is set to arrive on June 12, Alpha will hit cinemas on July 10, giving her a huge opportunity to consolidate her place among the most promising young stars in the industry.

Sharvari has already sparked a strong conversation with the teaser of Main Vaapas Aaunga, where her innocence and screen presence have stood out instantly. In fact, many on the internet are already calling her the “best-kept surprise” of the film.

In a project that already carries Imtiaz Ali’s trademark emotional depth and layered storytelling, Sharvari’s presence has emerged as one of its most intriguing aspects. She brings a certain freshness and emotional honesty that appears to blend seamlessly with Imtiaz’s cinematic universe.

What further adds to the excitement is the consistency Sharvari has shown so far in her career. With every project, she has displayed confidence, vulnerability and a screen presence that feels organic. There is a natural ease to her performances that has helped her leave an impression on both audiences and critics alike.

With Main Vaapas Aaunga, Sharvari seems poised to take that momentum several notches higher, especially under the direction of a filmmaker known for extracting deeply felt performances from his actors. If the teaser response is any indication, this film could well mark a significant turning point in her cinematic journey.

Also Read: Sharvari says she manifested to be a part of Imtiaz Ali film as Main Vaapas Aaunga teaser releases; pens heartfelt note!

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Anil Kapoor reveals he turned down cameo in Dhurandhar: The Revenge: “It’s my loss, but…”

Veteran actor Anil Kapoor recently revealed that he was approached for a cameo in Dhurandhar: The Revenge but had to decline the offer due to prior professional commitments.

The film is the sequel to Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, which released on December 5, 2025 and went on to emerge as a major box office success. The scale of the first installment and its ensemble cast have contributed significantly to the anticipation surrounding the sequel.

Speaking at the India Today Conclave, Kapoor shared that Dhar had approached him for a small role in the upcoming film. However, the actor said he had already committed his dates to another filmmaker.

“Yes, Aditya came to me for Dhurandhar 2. He wanted me to do a small cameo in the film. But the reason I am what I am today is because of my professionalism and my commitment. That’s very important—only talent cannot make you what you are,” Kapoor said.

Explaining why he declined the role, the 69-year-old actor added, “At that time, I had already committed those dates to another filmmaker. I told Aditya, ‘I would have loved to do this cameo, but I’m already committed.’ He is releasing the film now, and it’s a fantastic film. It’s my loss, but it’s okay. So yes, he did offer me the role, and hopefully we will work together in the future.”

Following his revelation, social media users began speculating whether Kapoor had been approached to play the mysterious character ‘Bade Sahab’, whose identity is expected to be revealed in the sequel. There have also been rumours about Emraan Hashmi being linked to the role, though the makers have not confirmed any details.

Dhurandhar: The Revenge features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Akshaye Khanna. The film is scheduled to hit theatres on March 19, 2026.

Also Read: Harish Salve praises Anil Kapoor’s Subedaar, calls it “a reality that deserves to be exposed”

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Main Vaapas Aaunga: Imtiaz Ali reveals poster of Diljit Dosanjh-Starrer ahead of teaser launch

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has revealed the first poster of his upcoming film Main Vaapas Aaunga, offering audiences an early glimpse of the project ahead of its teaser launch today at 1 PM. The film stars Diljit Dosanjh in the lead role alongside Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina and Sharvari Wagh.

Sharing the poster on social media, Ali announced, “Main Vaapas Aaunga. Teaser out today at 1 PM,” confirming that the film will arrive in theatres on June 12, 2026.

The film is backed by Applause Entertainment and Window Seat Films, with Mohit Choudhary also attached as a producer. According to the makers, the project is described as a story exploring themes of love and longing. One of the notable aspects of the film is the reunion of Ali with composer A. R. Rahman and lyricist Irshad Kamil. The trio have previously collaborated on films such as Tamasha, Highway and the 2024 biographical drama Amar Singh Chamkila, which also featured Dosanjh in the lead role.

 

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Main Vaapas Aaunga also marks another collaboration between Ali and Dosanjh following Amar Singh Chamkila, which premiered on Netflix in 2024. The actor, known for working across Punjabi and Hindi cinema, has built a strong presence both as a singer and performer in Indian films over the past decade.

Earlier reports about the film noted that it brings together Dosanjh, Raina and Sharvari on screen for the first time, with Shah adding veteran presence to the ensemble cast. Production on the film began in 2025 and the project is currently in post-production as it gears up for its theatrical release in June 2026. With the poster now out, the teaser dropping later today is expected to offer the first visual glimpse of Ali’s next directorial venture.

Also Read: Imtiaz Ali film starring Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina and Sharvari to release on June 12, 2026

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CBFC makes subtitles mandatory for all Indian films from March 15

In a move aimed at making the movie-going experience more inclusive, the Central Board of Film Certification has made subtitles mandatory for films across languages. The CBFC’s directive will come into effect from March 15, 2026. Henceforth, all Indian films will be required to include subtitles, along with audio descriptions wherever applicable.

The move is intended to improve accessibility for audiences who are hearing or visually impaired, allowing them to experience films more fully regardless of language or physical limitations.

However, not all netizens are happy with the CBFC’s decision to make subtitles mandatory. Many have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction, arguing that subtitles can be distracting and interfere with the immersive movie-viewing experience.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: CBFC asks for 15 cuts and modifications in The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond; reduces kiss and rape visuals by 50%

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