Dev Patel’s ‘Monkey Man’ Faces Uncertain India Release Amid Censorship Concerns

Dev Patel’s directorial debut, “Monkey Man,” faces uncertain prospects for release in India amidst accusations that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has effectively stalled its screening process.

Originally set to debut in April, the action drama premiered to acclaim at the South by Southwest Festival. The film follows Patel’s character on a vengeful quest against corrupt officials in a fictional Indian city.

According to reports from The Hindu, the CBFC has not forwarded “Monkey Man” to its advisory panel, a necessary step under India’s Cinematograph Rules, which could delay its release indefinitely. This delay has raised concerns about censorship, as the CBFC has not issued a formal ban but appears to have obstructed the film’s path to theaters.

One contentious issue revolves around changes made to the film’s visuals, particularly the alteration of political party flags from saffron to red in subsequent trailers.

Saffron, traditionally associated with Hinduism, has contemporary political connotations in India linked to right-wing movements and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This change sparked speculation that it aimed to mitigate potential controversy in India.

Moreover, Universal Pictures, the film’s distributor, reportedly made significant cuts to “Monkey Man,” excising scenes that explored the nexus between religion and politics in India. These edits were presumably made to avoid offending sensibilities and navigate India’s complex socio-political landscape.

The delay in the CBFC’s certification process has drawn criticism from various quarters, including actor Makarand Deshpande, who revealed that a crucial scene defining the film’s essence was cut due to perceived political sensitivities.

Despite these challenges, reviews from international screenings have been positive, likening “Monkey Man” to popular action films like “John Wick” and “Enter the Dragon,” suggesting it has potential for success if released.

“Monkey Man” faces an uncertain future in India as it navigates through regulatory hurdles and potential sensitivities. The controversy highlights broader issues of censorship and creative expression within India’s film industry, casting a shadow over the film’s anticipated release despite its international acclaim and potential for success.