First Ray Films Unveils Six-Film Slate for 2026–2028 at Cannes Film Market

Mumbai-based production company First Ray Films has unveiled a six-film slate spanning 2026 to 2028, marking its second decade in operation. The lineup will be presented at the upcoming Cannes Film Market in May, as announced by Variety on April 27, 2026. Founded by actor-filmmaker Anshuman Jha, First Ray Films has scheduled two theatrical releases in India for 2026, with additional projects set for production and release over the next two years.

2026 Releases: “Om Ka Hari” and “Lakadbaggha 2”

The first of the 2026 releases, Om Ka Hari, is directed by Harish Vyas and features Jha alongside Raghubir Yadav, Soni Razdan, and Ayesha Kapur. The film is slated for a June theatrical debut. Jha will also direct the second 2026 release, Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business, a sequel to his 2023 vigilante franchise starter Lakadbaggha. The film stars Adil Hussain and Sarah Jane Dias and is scheduled for a November release.

2027 and 2028 Pipeline

The 2027 lineup includes Bajrangi, directed by Parth Saurabh and currently in post-production, and Bhadyaa, helmed by Pramod Parashar, which is currently shooting. For 2028, First Ray Films has announced two projects: But First, The Burning, directed by Devashish Makhija as an international co-production with Roh Films and Lamas Productions, and Dhoori, directed by Rumana Molla.

First Ray Films’ Independent Cinema Legacy

First Ray Films has built a reputation for high-concept, genre-defining projects since its founding. The company’s past work 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 the world’s first animal-lover vigilante actioner, Lakadbaggha (2023). The new slate continues this tradition of bold storytelling, with a mix of theatrical releases and international co-productions.

Cannes Film Market Presentation

The Cannes Film Market, part of the 79th Cannes Film Festival running from May 12 to 23, 2026, will serve as the platform for First Ray Films to showcase its upcoming projects. The festival’s official selection, announced earlier this month, includes films by veteran directors such as Pedro Almodóvar, Asghar Farhadi, and Hirokazu Kore-eda, alongside emerging filmmakers. While First Ray Films’ slate is not part of the festival’s official selection, the market provides a key opportunity for international collaborations and distribution deals.

The six-film lineup reflects First Ray Films’ expansion into both domestic and international co-productions, signaling its growing influence in independent cinema. With projects spanning genres and production scales, the company is poised to further establish itself as a leader in high-concept storytelling.