Monkey Kingdom

In the lush ruins of Polonnaruwa, Maya exists at the bottom of the macaque social hierarchy. Under the watchful eye of Raja, the dominant alpha male, she faces constant scrutiny and struggles for basic acceptance within her troop.

With the arrival of the charming newcomer Kumar, Maya finds herself drawn into a secret romance. Their bond grows against the backdrop of intense social dynamics, culminating in a clandestine mating during Maya's estrus period.

When Raja discovers Maya's affair with Kumar, he feels betrayed and reacts aggressively. He drives Kumar away with the help of his loyal sub-alpha male entourage, ensuring that the territorial boundaries remain intact.

Months later, Maya gives birth to her son, Kip, marking the beginning of her journey as a single mother. In the midst of the prolific monsoon season, she works tirelessly to nurture and protect her young macaque.

As the rains subside and food becomes scarce, Maya leads her fellow Lowborn to a hidden lily pond. They discover the lotus lily seed pods, a hidden resource that provides much-needed nourishment, away from the prying eyes of the Highborn.

While the Lowborn indulge in the seed pods, a lurking monitor lizard silently stalks them. Tragedy strikes as one of Maya's companions is suddenly snatched away, heightening the dangers they face in the wild.

When the Sisterhood of queens discovers Maya prioritizing her hunger, they inflict swift punishment. Maya is left battered, and in a cruel twist, they abduct Kip, taking him far from her desperate calls.

Maya's relentless search for her son Kip unfolds in the dense jungle. Each call fills the air with her grief, but fortune smiles upon her as she eventually hears Kip’s faint cries, leading to a joyful reunion.

The next day, Maya decides to lead the Lowborn in search of food, their journey taking them to a nearby city. Unbeknownst to the humans, they dive into a feast of birthday cake and fresh fruit, reveling in their spoils.

Amidst their newfound contentment, Maya awakens to see Kumar cautiously returning to their vicinity. His gradual reintegration into the troop begins as he forms bonds with the younger macaques, reestablishing his place.

As tensions rise, a rival troop, led by the fierce Lex, tries to seize control of Castle Rock. The stakes are high, and Maya, Kumar, and Raja must join forces to defend their territory and protect their newfound bonds.

After a series of trials, Maya and her troop find themselves homeless in the city. Yet, they discover a refuge of plenty, filled with food and shelter, prompting a moment of rest amidst uncertainty.

Longing for their ancestral home, Maya leads her family back to Castle Rock, accompanied by Kumar and Kip. The journey is fraught with danger, yet their determination drives them onward toward their past significance.

As they near Castle Rock, Kumar orchestrates a strategic assault against Lex’s troop. Through their teamwork, they successfully reclaim their territory, forcing the intruders to retreat in fear.

A year after the tumultuous events, Maya ascends the social hierarchy, her strength now matched by Kumar’s leadership as the new Alpha. Embracing Kip and Kumar, Maya is ready to embrace a bright future for her family.