Sobhita Dhulipala has multiple projects in the pipeline, one of them being Monkey Man, which marks her debut in Hollywood. The film stars Dev Patel in the lead role and also marks his directorial debut.
Talking about the film, Dhulipala said in a recent interview that Patel rewrote her character in the film for her. Showering praise on him, she said, “He is a really good actor but I think he is an even better director. He worked on this script for close to 8 years, before Raman Raghav came out. We had just finished shooting and I was called in for an audition, we didn’t know what it was, I did round one and I was called for round two and in round two, I walk in and this man (Dev) is standing there and I was just like, ‘Hi, nice to meet you’ I was just like, what? Because this is right little after Slumdog Millionaire and I was just like, ‘He’s an actor, right? Actors can direct also?’.”
She added, “I was just very overwhelmed and he really liked my audition and he gave me some directions and then I didn’t hear back and I was like, ‘Of course, I didn’t get it.’ Some 4-5 years later, I get a call from another casting agent and I come to meet and again, this one (Dev Patel) ‘Prakat ho gaya aise’ (He just appeared) and he said, it moved him to rewrite the character in certain ways and he’s like, ‘Since then, it’s only been you. Whatever it would be made’.”
Monkey Man follows the story of a convict who leaves prison to take revenge on his enemies in a world filled with corporate greed.
The film also stars Sharlto Copley and Sikandar Kher. It is written by Paul Angunawela and John Collee alongside director Dev Patel.
Netflix picked up a majority of the world rights for the film and is expected to release it in 2023.
R Madhavan shares his experience portraying a father’s role for the first time alongside Ajay Devgn.
Actor addresses rumours about de-ageing technology, confirming he relied on diet and fitness instead.
Madhavan reflects on sequels and preparation for previous physically demanding roles like Saala Khadoos.
Nervous about a father’s role
At the trailer launch of De De Pyaar De 2, R Madhavan admitted he was initially nervous about playing Ajay Devgn’s on-screen father-in-law.
“I have never done a father’s role before, and competing with Ajay, I was very nervous,” Madhavan said. “I have seen other actors who are so busy when they come to the set, but Ajay sir is always present and dedicated. We have always felt connected.”
The actor also commented on the appeal of sequels. Devgn, who stars alongside Madhavan, stated, “I don’t mind sequels as long as there is a good script. I hope the film is liked by audiences. We all believe we have made a good film.”
Madhavan addressed recent rumours about de-ageing technology in his films, stating, “They’ve all been accusing me of de-ageing, but I don’t think I have the budget for that. It hasn’t happened.”
Instead, the actor relies on traditional methods of preparation, including fitness and diet adjustments, to meet the physical demands of roles.
Reflections on past roles
Madhavan reflected on the preparation for his earlier role in Saala Khadoos, a physically demanding sports drama. “When I went to train for Saala Khadoos, I consulted numerous dieticians and several people who advised me on how to lose weight and get fit, what diet to follow, what time to eat, and so on, but I couldn’t find anyone I truly resonated with,” he said.
The actor’s candid reflections reveal a focus on dedication and personal preparation rather than technological shortcuts, highlighting his commitment to authentic performances.
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