Mumbai’s First Ray Films is expanding its footprint at the Cannes Market, rolling out a six‑film lineup that spans 2026 through 2028 and signals growth as the banner enters its second decade.
Founded by actor‑filmmaker Anshuman Jha, the slate will be showcased at the festival’s market next month. Two titles are slated for Indian release this year: Om Ka Hari, directed by Harish Vyas and led by Jha with a cast that includes Raghubir Yadav, Soni Razdan, and Ayesha Kapur; and Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business, also directed by Jha, expanding the vigilante franchise with Adil Hussain and Sarah Jane Dias, due in November.
Forecast: 2027 and 2028
The longer‑term lineup includes Bajrangi, directed by Parth Saurabh, now in post‑production, and Bhadyaa by Pramod Parashar, set for 2027. For 2028, First Ray has But First, The Burning, an ambitious international co‑production with Roh Films and Lamas Productions, and Dhoori from Rumana Molla.
From the founders’ playbook
Since launching in 2016 with Mona Darling, First Ray has built a niche for championing distinctive voices while expanding its distribution reach. The company notes partnerships that outpace those of many Indian independents, and its latest release, Lord Curzon Ki Haveli, is set to premiere on JioHotstar next month.
Jha emphasizes that the first decade was about finding a voice, while the next decade will amplify it, backing work that travels beyond borders without losing its soul. Makhija adds that First Ray’s model creates “wings” for filmmakers to reach broader audiences, underscoring a commitment to rooted yet globally resonant storytelling. Harish Vyas stresses that the team’s fearless, original approach invites creators to take bold artistic leaps.
At Cannes, the company’s market showcase represents its most visible push yet, underscoring India’s growing footprint in international co‑production and distribution.
Source: Original article
