First Ray Films, the independent film production company founded by actor-filmmaker Anshuman Jha, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. On this occasion, Jha has announced an ambitious slate of six new films to be released over the next 12 months.
In an industry where independent film companies often struggle to stay afloat, First Ray Films has distinguished itself by producing unique, high-concept cinema. Their filmography includes India's first social media thriller, "Mona_Darling" (2016), the country's first mainstream LGBTQ+ road trip film, "Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele" (2020), and "Lakadbaggha" (2023), which is known as the world's first animal-lover vigilante action film.
The upcoming releases include Jha's directorial debut, "Lord Curzon Ki Haveli", a quirky black comedy thriller. This will be followed by "Hari Ka Om", a touching father-son coming-of-age story directed by Harish Vyas, and "Lakadbaggha 2". Jha is also ready with Lakadbaggha 2, after wrapping up the shoot in Indonesia. Notably, "Lakadbaggha 2" has Anshuman Jha stepping in as director, replacing Sanjay Shetty to ensure creative alignment with the ethos of the franchise. Shetty remains on the project as a creative consultant.
Looking ahead to 2026, First Ray Films has three new productions planned with debutant filmmakers working on Hindi films, and will introduce two new faces in a love story. These include "Bajrangi" with Parth Saurabh, "Ovi & The Monk" from Jasraj Padhaye, and an untitled genre feature set in Mumbai at the cusp of the millennium with an award-winning firebrand Indian film maker about twins. "Bajrangi", set in Bihar, will explore themes of service and tradition in a changing India. "Ovi & The Monk" will follow a young boy who treks across the Himalayas to reunite a dog with its owner.
Jha expressed his belief that "films don't fail, budgets fail" and that the company's survival is a "testament to the audiences who are willing to embrace stories that are fresh".
In other news, Jha met with the President of Chile, Gabriel Boric Font, to discuss the possibility of showcasing Chile's cultural diversity through Bollywood cinema. Jha is considering shooting "Lakadbaggha 3" in Chile, potentially making it the first Bollywood film shot in the country.
