"Those are really beautifully complex humans."
Sobhita Dhulipala made her American film debut in Monkey Man, playing the prostitute Sita.
The film’s premiere at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, in March 2024 was the first time she had ever set foot in America.
She said: “In India, I’m South Indian. When I come to America, I’m Indian.
“It’s amazing that I get to come to this country with a film. It’s like I come with an offering.”
Sobhita delved into her character and explained what it was like working with lead star and director Dev Patel.
As Sita, she works at a luxury brothel run by Queenie Kapoor (Ashwini Kalsekar).
She advises Kid (Dev Patel) to stop working in the brothel’s kitchen and later plays a role in helping him exact revenge.
On her experience of playing such characters, Sobhita said:
“Those are really beautifully complex humans.
“To be considered someone who can be trusted with characters like that is really an honour.
“If something inspires me or there’s some value I can bring to the story, I want to belong with it.”
Sobhita also revealed that before the release of her debut film Raman Raghav 2.0 in 2016, she auditioned for the role of Sita.
The actress said the filmmakers took several years to get back to her and in 2019, Dev told her that he had decided that she would be perfect for the role from the moment he saw her audition.
Detailing what it was like working with Dev, Sobhita Dhulipala said:
“It’s a different kind of relationship altogether.
“There’s trust, fear, vulnerability, and you move as one pack, one team.
“There’s a certain purity and passion there – working with a first-time filmmaker.”
“So I came on board, I jumped on board.”
Monkey Man was released globally on April 5, 2024, to rave reviews.
Critics have praised the performances, plot, action sequences, cinematography and technical aspects.
However, its India release has reportedly been delayed.
It was scheduled to be released in India on April 19.
However, Monkey Man is yet to receive a green light from India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) due to its intense violence, sexual scenes and references to religion and mythology.
A source told Bollywood Hungama: “The film has excessive violence, and there are fears that some of its aspects might hurt the sentiments of the section of the audience.
“Hence, the censor process is expected to take time.
“Also, the Universal Studios team in the USA needs to permit the changes asked by the CBFC.
“Once they approve, the local team will carry out the changes, and only then, the team will announce the release date.”
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