In a landmark move merging the cinematic heritages of India and Thailand, action stars Tony Jaa and Dan Chupong are poised to leap into the Indian film industry. After the roaring success of the Thai action classic Ong Bak in 2003, Tony Jaa became a global sensation, making inroads into the Hollywood scene with features in internationally renowned movies such as Furious 7 in 2015 and XXX: Return of Xander Cage in 2017. Dan Chupong, Jaa’s renowned co-star, also soared in popularity following their gripping portrayals in the Ong Bak series. These seasoned martial artists are now set to showcase their extraordinary talents in Hindi cinema, starting with the much-anticipated action feature Lakadbaggha 2—The Monkey Business.
Directed by Anshuman Jha, who is also known for his work in front of the camera, the film is projected to follow the successful formula of its predecessor, Lakadbaggha (2023). The story continues weaving the narrative thread of an adept martial arts trainer who turns into a valiant vigilante upon the disappearance of his beloved canine companion. Intent on elevating the action genre to unprecedented heights within the Indian film landscape, executive producer Anubhab Chitlangia hinted at the ambitious scope of the project. “We intend to make the wildest hand-to-hand combat action film from India. We are talking to many international action stars, including Tony and Dan,” Chitlangia shared with palpable enthusiasm.
Sanjay Shetty, who has built a reputation as a sharp and imaginative ad filmmaker, has been entrusted with the directorial reins of Lakadbaggha 2. The film’s production will cast its net far and wide, taking advantage of diverse and vibrant Southeast Asian locales to provide a dynamic backdrop to the riveting action sequences envisioned for the sequel.
Anshuman Jha, who is not only directing but also starring in the sequel, expressed a mix of exhilaration and apprehension at the prospect of matching steps with the formidable Thai duo. “We are excited to have begun training for Lakadbaggha 2. Tony Jaa, Dan Chupong, and Sunny Pang are some of the biggest Asian stars, and I am a huge fan of them. It will be a dream come true as well as a huge responsibility to be in an action film with them,” said Jha, acknowledging the challenging yet thrilling nature of this cinematic undertaking.
The incorporation of Jaa and Chupong into the heart of this Bollywood production is emblematic of India’s burgeoning appeal as a global film powerhouse, attractively positioned to draw in a diverse range of international talent. Moviegoers can anticipate a fusion of Jha’s nuanced storytelling abilities and the raw, intense martial arts expertise of Jaa and Chupong, positioning Lakadbaggha 2 to potentially rewrite the rulebook for action cinema in India.
This collaboration is not only a nod to the shared love for gripping action and storytelling between India and Thailand, but it also marks a significant cultural exchange where the essence of Thai martial arts will blend seamlessly with India’s cinematic storytelling techniques. As Lakadbaggha 2 gears up for production, the buzz around this cinematic collaboration continues to build, promising an adrenaline-pumping experience that aims to captivate audiences from across both regions and beyond.
Fans of high-octane martial arts action and Bollywood enthusiasts alike await with bated breath as Lakadbaggha 2 prepares to leap onto screens, set to establish new benchmarks for action choreography and international cooperation in the film industry, with an anticipated release that will set pulses racing and expectations soaring.
