Malaysia’s esteemed English newscaster, Dr. Mohanaapriya Sina Raja, has gracefully transitioned from the television studio to the silver screen with her captivating cameo in the acclaimed film “Monkey Man.” Directed by the renowned Oscar-nominated actor and debut director Dev Patel, this action-packed movie has garnered widespread praise for its gripping narrative and stellar performances.
Mohanaapriya, celebrated for her eloquent voice and commanding presence on national television, was handpicked by Dev’s team in Asia for the role of a newscaster in the film. Set against the backdrop of a bustling fictional city, “Monkey Man” weaves a tale of revenge, faith, and power, following the journey of a traumatised boy named Kid as he seeks redemption and retribution.
In her cameo appearance, Mohanaapriya brings her trademark professionalism and gravitas to the role, delivering news reports that unravel Kid’s escape and the socio-political climate of the fictional, Yatana. Her seamless integration into the film marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career, showcasing her versatility beyond the confines of the newsroom.
A former winner of the Miss MalaysiaIndian Global Personal Empowerment Pageant and the founding president of the Miss MalaysiaIndia Care Association (MMICARE), Mohanaapriya has been a prominent figure in the broadcasting industry since 2002. From her early days as an Astro radio newsreader to her current roles on Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) and as a communications lecturer, she has consistently demonstrated her prowess in the media landscape.
“It was an amazing experience. Once I was shortlisted, they sent me the script. It was undeniably a seat-gripping story. We had a Zoom meeting with Dev and his team before they shot my scene. It was during the pandemic, and they really had to put technology to use. We used a local team to help Dev and his team direct my scene via Zoom. There were people from Batam, the UK, and the US all online, including producer Jomon Thomas. Later, as the post-production of the movie evolved, I was called on to do several voiceovers and additional dialogue recordings ( ADRs).”
– Dr. Mohanaapriya on working with Dev Patel
As “Monkey Man” continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Mohanaapriya’s involvement reveals just how talented and exemplary Malaysian Indians are, not just within the local industry but also on an international scale. Along with Mohanaapriya, Singapore’s Mathi Alagan, too, had been given a role in “Monkey Man,” further reinstating the talent and incredible scope of the Tamil and Indian diaspora.
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