Lakadbaggha (2023) Hindi

Synopsis

Lakadbaggha (translated as Hyena) is a 2023 Hindi-language action thriller that dares to walk a different path. In an industry filled with high-octane commercial blockbusters, this film offers a unique combination of martial arts, animal activism, and gritty street justice. Directed by Victor Mukherjee and written by Alok Sharma, Lakadbaggha stands out for both its offbeat premise and emotional intensity.

Plot Summary

The story centers around Arjun Bakshi, a martial arts trainer and passionate animal lover living in Kolkata. When his beloved dog, Shanku, goes missing, Arjun’s search leads him down a dark and dangerous alley—the world of illegal animal trafficking. As he uncovers more, Arjun discovers a horrifying nexus of smugglers dealing in rare and endangered species, including the elusive Indian striped hyena, the Lakadbaggha.

What begins as a personal quest to find his pet slowly turns into a one-man war against a powerful trafficking syndicate. Arjun adopts the role of a masked vigilante, using his combat skills to rescue voiceless animals and expose a rotten criminal network.

Themes and Messaging

At its core, Lakadbaggha is a vigilante thriller with a heart. It addresses animal cruelty, illegal wildlife trade, and urban apathy toward voiceless creatures. The movie doesn’t just entertain—it provokes thought.

By merging socially conscious storytelling with action sequences, the film tries to bridge the gap between Bollywood drama and meaningful cinema. The use of a rare animal like the striped hyena adds symbolic weight, representing the misunderstood and often neglected beings in society.

Cinematography and Setting

Shot largely in the underbelly of Kolkata, the visuals reflect the grime and chaos of a city hiding illegal secrets in plain sight. The dark alleys, abandoned docks, and murky warehouses all add to the film’s noir-like texture. Cinematographer Jean-Marc Selva captures the contrast between Arjun’s calm personal life and his explosive alter ego.

Music and Soundtrack

The background score is minimal yet haunting, elevating the tension without overpowering the scenes. The use of traditional instruments mixed with modern beats gives the film a distinct soundscape. There are no unnecessary song breaks, which helps maintain the film’s pace and mood.

Strengths

• Unique Concept: A vigilante who fights for animals is something rarely explored in Indian cinema.

• Emotional Weight: The connection between Arjun and animals is portrayed with authenticity and tenderness.

• Grounded Action: Fight scenes are believable and devoid of over-the-top heroism.

• Strong Debut: Ridhi Dogra’s performance is confident, especially in her emotionally torn scenes.

Weaknesses

• Second Half Drag: After a tight first half, the film slightly loses steam post-intermission.

• Simplistic Characters: Some supporting roles lack depth, especially the villains.

• Limited Visual Effects: The hyena scenes, while ambitious, could have benefited from better CGI.

Reception

While Lakadbaggha wasn’t a massive box office success, it gained recognition for its bold storytelling, fresh theme, and festival circuit presence. Viewers appreciated its sincerity and heart, even if some felt the execution wasn’t perfect.

It received praise for breaking genre conventions and offering a new kind of Indian hero—not one who fights for money, revenge, or fame, but for the helpless creatures we often overlook.

Final Verdict

Lakadbaggha is not your typical masala movie. It’s a grounded, gritty, and meaningful action film that balances punches with purpose. Despite its flaws, it delivers a memorable message and introduces a new brand of vigilante heroism to Indian screens.

For those tired of formulaic action films and looking for something different with heart, Lakadbaggha (2023) is worth a watch.