As it celebrates its tenth anniversary, First Ray Films is poised for a significant international push. The Mumbai-based production house, established by actor-director Anshuman Jha, has curated a robust slate of six feature films scheduled for release between 2026 and 2028. This ambitious lineup will be formally presented to global distributors and co-producers at the prestigious Cannes Film Market this May, signaling the company’s evolved focus on cross-border storytelling.
A Banner Year: Theatrical Releases for 2026
The company is charging into its second decade with two major Indian theatrical releases set for 2026. First on the calendar is Om Ka Hari, a film directed by Harish Vyas. The project boasts a stellar cast including Anshuman Jha alongside respected veterans Raghubir Yadav and Soni Razdan, with Ayesha Kapur also starring. Slated for a June premiere, it will be followed in November by Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business. Jha returns to the director’s chair to expand the gritty vigilante universe he launched in 2023, with Adil Hussain and Sarah Jane Dias joining the franchise.
The 2027 Pipeline: Projects in Progress
Looking further ahead, First Ray’s 2027 schedule is already in active development. The slate includes Bajrangi, directed by Parth Saurabh, which is currently in the post-production phase. Concurrently, filming is underway for Bhadyaa, a project helmed by director Pramod Parashar. These two films represent the company’s steady hand in nurturing projects from conception to completion.
Global Ambitions: The 2028 Vision
The most expansive vision is reserved for 2028, featuring two projects with significant international scope. The first is But First, The Burning, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Devashish Makhija. This film marks First Ray’s most ambitious undertaking to date, structured as an official co-production with Roh Films and Lamas Productions. It will be joined by Dhoori, a feature directed by Rumana Molla, rounding out a diverse and forward-looking slate.
A Decade of Distinct Voices and Strategic Growth
Founded in 2016 with Shashi Sudigala’s unconventional social media thriller mona_darling, First Ray Films has meticulously built a reputation as a haven for director-driven cinema that operates outside the mainstream. Over the past decade, the company has not only championed unique artistic voices but has also developed formidable distribution and marketing capabilities, claiming its partnerships have outperformed other Indian independent studios. Its recent feature, Lord Curzon Ki Haveli, presented by marketing firm Max, is scheduled to debut on JioHotstar next month.
Producer and Filmmaker Perspectives: Authenticity Over Trends
Reflecting on the company’s journey and future, founder Anshuman Jha outlined a clear mission: “Our first decade was dedicated to discovering our unique voice. The next is about amplifying it on a global scale. We are committed to backing meaningful stories, risk-taking filmmakers, and cinema that transcends borders without compromising its soul. We are building an ecosystem that empowers emerging talent, educating them on crucial distribution and marketing strategies to ensure powerful stories actually find their audience.”
Director Devashish Makhija, behind the international co-production But First, The Burning, praised the banner’s ethos: “First Ray is a rarity—a producer that fiercely protects the filmmaker’s vision and then builds the infrastructure to propel it further. Our collaboration is rooted in telling a story that is locally authentic yet designed for global resonance.”
Echoing this sentiment, director Harish Vyas added, “The fearless approach First Ray takes toward storytelling empowers creators. It’s not about conformity; it’s about trust and building something truly original.”
This prominent showcase at Cannes underscores a growing trend among Indian independent production houses seeking international co-production opportunities and theatrical releases beyond domestic markets, with First Ray Films leading the charge.
