CBFC obstructing release of Dev Patel's 'Monkey Man' in India; avoids screening film for advisory panel

The future of Dev Patel's directorial debut Monkey Man continues to hang in balance with the Central Board of Film Certification delaying its release. Reportedly, the film body did not even hold a screening for its advisory panel, further holding horses for Monkey Man's India premiere. Set in India’s dystopian version, the revenge drama was released across the USA and Canada on April 5 this year. The film had its premiere at the South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) on 11 March and was slated to be released in India on April 19.

Monkey Man's India release remains uncertain

According to a report by The Hindu, a source has said that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has ‘thwarted Monkey Man's release without formally banning it’ by not screening the film for the advisory panel. This happened despite Universal Studios making a few changes in the original cut of the film by “clipping scenes which sharply emphasised the nexus between religion and politics.” In another major update, the makers have also changed the colour used in the political banners in many scenes in the film from saffron to red.

More about 'Monkey Man'

A revenge drama to its core, 'Monkey Man' follows the life of a young man who struggles to make ends meet in an underground fight club. Night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he's beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash. After years of suppressed rage, he discovers a way to free himself, and emerges as the invincible 'Monkey Man'.

The film also features Sharlto Copley, Pitobash, Vipin Sharma, Sikandar Kher, Sobhita Dhulipala, Ashwini Kalsekar, Aditi Kalkunthe and Makarand Deshpande in crucial roles.

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