The Indian release of Dev Patel’s much-anticipated film, “Monkey Man,” is facing uncertainty as the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has yet to screen the film for its advisory panel. According to a report by The Hindu, despite Universal Studios making several changes to the original cut of the film, the CBFC has not responded to the revised version.
Universal Studios, the film’s distributor, reportedly made changes to the film’s original cut to address potential sensitivities. These changes included clipping scenes that emphasized the nexus between religion and politics and altering the color of political banners from saffron to red. Despite these modifications, the CBFC has avoided screening the film for its Examining Committee.
As per the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, both the recently notified version and the 1983 version, there is a five-day deadline for a film to be referred to the Examining Committee. This deadline was surpassed in May, leaving “Monkey Man” in limbo. The film, which was originally scheduled to release in India on April 19, has not yet been reviewed by the censors, effectively stalling its release without a formal ban.
“Monkey Man” tells the story of an underdog street fighter who transforms into a vigilante superhero. Dev Patel’s character battles against the wealthy and powerful, who oppress the downtrodden and are responsible for his mother’s death. His quest for vengeance takes an unexpected turn as he becomes a champion for the oppressed, embodying the titular Monkey Man. The film also stars Sikandar Kher, Sharlto Copley, Sobhita Dhulipala, Makarand Deshpande, and Ashwini Kalsekar.
With no official release date announced for India, the fate of “Monkey Man” remains unclear. The CBFC’s inaction has left the film’s future in jeopardy, frustrating both the filmmakers and fans eagerly awaiting its release. Universal Studios and the film’s production team are hopeful for a resolution, but the lack of response from the CBFC has cast a shadow over the film’s Indian debut.
As the film industry and audiences await further developments, the situation underscores the challenges faced by filmmakers in navigating the complexities of film certification in India. “Monkey Man,” with its powerful narrative and star-studded cast, remains in the shadows, its release date hanging in the balance.
Sources By Agencies
