The future of Dev Patel’s film Monkey Man’s release in India is still uncertain. According to the latest report in The Hindu, a source has said that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has ‘thwarted its release without formally banning it’ by not screening the film for the advisory panel. (Also read: Amid rumours of Monkey Man not releasing in India, audiences watch pirated versions of Dev Patel’s directorial debut)
what the report said
The report also states that the CBFC has postponed the screening of the film before its examining committee, which was scheduled to release on Indian screens on April 19. This happened after Universal Studios made some changes to the original cut of the film, which “clipped scenes that emphasised the nexus between religion and politics.” In addition, Universal Studios also changed the colour used in political banners in several scenes of the film from saffron to red.
According to the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules notified in March this year and the 1983 version, there is a five-day deadline to send a film to the examining committee. This deadline expired in May, but the censors are yet to see the film.
About Monkey Man
Monkey Man revolves around a Dalit street fighter who becomes a vigilante superhero. Dev’s character fights against the powerful and rich people who oppress Dalits and are also responsible for his mother’s death. However, his quest for revenge takes an unexpected turn as he becomes a champion of the oppressed and powerless, and transforms into Monkey Man. It also stars Sikandar Kher, Sharlto Copley, Sobhita Dhulipala, Makrand Deshpande, Ashwini Kalsekar and others. The film’s release date in India has not been announced yet.
