Having made a name for herself with prominent roles in films and series like Ponniyin Selvan I and II, and both seasons of Made in Heaven, Sobhita Dhulipala’s transition to Hollywood seemed a natural progression. Her debut in the international arena, Monkey Man, recently premiered globally. In a detailed discussion with The New York Times, Sobhita shared insights about her complex character and her experience working alongside Dev Patel, who made his directorial debut while also acting as co-writer, producer, and lead actor in the action thriller.
In Monkey Man, Sobhita portrays Sita, a call girl entangled with influential yet vile men. She expressed pride in playing nuanced roles on the fringes of society, stating, “Those are beautifully complex humans. Being trusted with such characters is truly an honor… I’m drawn to roles that inspire me or where I feel I can contribute meaningfully to the story.”
The journey to securing her role in Monkey Man began even before the release of her first Indian film, Raman Raghav 2.0, in 2016 when she first auditioned for the part of Sita. It wasn’t until 2019 that Dev Patel confirmed her casting, convinced she was the ideal choice since her initial audition. When asked about the risks of collaborating with a first-time filmmaker for her Hollywood debut, Sobhita commented on their unique bond, “There’s trust, fear, vulnerability, and you move as one pack, one team. There’s a certain purity and passion in working with a first-time filmmaker.”
Monkey Man is an action thriller that centers on a man’s quest for vengeance following his mother’s murder, drawing inspiration from the myth of Hanuman. Produced by Jordan Peele, the film marks an ambitious first foray into directing for Dev Patel.
While Monkey Man hit theaters globally on April 5, it awaits its premiere in India, originally scheduled for April 19. The release has been delayed pending approval from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
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