Dev Patel's directorial debut Monkey Man leaks online; Makers take down pirated links within 24 hours

British-Indian actor Dev Patel's highly anticipated directorial debut, Monkey Man, has been creating a buzz on social media but is facing uncertainty regarding its release in India. The film, which has received critical acclaim internationally after its world premiere at SXSW 2024, was initially scheduled to premiere in India on April 19th but has been pushed back due to clearance procedures by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

 

Dev Patel's directorial debut Monkey Man leaks online; Makers take down pirated links within 24 hours

 

While pirated copies of the movie surfaced online recently, fans eagerly awaiting the official release are left with mixed messages. Some social media reports claim the film has been banned, while others speculate about extensive edits due to violence and religious themes. Warner Bros Pictures, which distributes Universal Pictures’ films in India, had to take swift action in India after a pirated version of the film was leaked online on Monday, April 22.

 

As per a report in Mid-day, a source said, “But it took the team more than 12 hours to find the source link. After the first link was pulled down by Tuesday afternoon, it was circulated by people on Google Drive. It wasn’t until 8.30 pm on Tuesday that all links were successfully pulled down. Several accounts that had shared the link on X have been sent copyright violation notices by the micro-blogging site.”

 

Monkey Man draws inspiration from the legendary Hanuman, a Hindu deity known for his immense strength and unwavering devotion. The film stars Patel himself as Kid, a young man struggling to survive in an underground fight club. Donning a gorilla mask, Kid endures brutal beatings for meagre pay, all while harbouring a deep-seated rage. The narrative takes a turn when Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the city's elite circles. Fueled by a traumatic past and his mysterious scarred hands, Kid embarks on a violent path of retribution against those who wronged him.

 

A week ago, Bollywood Hungama reported that the film had not been banned in India. However, a source close to the production clarified that the CBFC's Examining Committee hasn't even reviewed the film yet, causing the delay. The source attributes the delay to multiple holidays last week, impacting not just Monkey Man but other films awaiting certification. The source clarified, “CBFC’s Examining Committee has not even seen the film. Hence, the question doesn’t arise that they are confused as to what to do with the film’s content. The Universal Pictures India team applied for a certificate much in advance at the CBFC. But there were multiple holidays last week hence, the delay. Not just Monkey Man, other films have also suffered as a result.”

 

Concerns regarding the film's content do exist. The source acknowledged Monkey Man features violence and elements that might potentially offend certain viewers. This could lead to a longer censor process, requiring approval for any changes suggested by the CBFC by the Universal Pictures team in the US. Only after their green light can the local team finalize the edits and announce a release date.

 

Given these factors, the initial April 26th release target is no longer feasible. The source confirmed a release in May, subject to receiving the censor certificate. Exhibitors are hopeful for a swift clearance, considering the film's potential to draw audiences during the typically slow month of May.

 

Monkey Man promises to be an action-packed spectacle, filled with thrilling fight sequences and high-octane chases. Patel's original story is brought to life through his co-written screenplay with Paul Angunawela and John Collee. The film boasts an international cast alongside Patel. Sharlto Copley, Sobhita Dhulipala, Pitobash Tripathy, Vipin Sharma, Ashwini Kalsekar, Adithi Kalkunte, Sikandar Kher, and Makarand Deshpande are just a few names gracing the screen.

 

Monkey Man is a collaborative effort between several production houses. Patel himself serves as a producer alongside Jomon Thomas. Adding star power is Oscar winner Jordan Peele, who joins forces with Win Rosenfeld, Ian Cooper, Basil Iwanyk, and others.

 

Jonathan Fuhrman, Natalya Pavchinskya, Aaron L. Gilbert, and a team of executive producers further bolster the film's production muscle. Monkey Man is presented by Universal Pictures in association with various production companies, including Bron Studios, Thunder Road Films, Monkeypaw Productions, Minor Realm/S'Ya Concept Productions, WME Independent, and Creative Wealth Media.

 

ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Dev Patel’s Monkey Man is NOT banned in India; CBFC yet to see the film

Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection,New Movies Release, Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood News Today & upcoming movies 2024 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama.