‘Monkey Man’ starred and directed by Dev Patel who is behind the cameras for the first time is an action movie from the studio Diamond Films
In his debut as a director, Dev Patel collaborates with screenwriters Paul Angunawela and John Collee to bring the action-packed thriller “Monkey Man” to life. Starring Patel himself as the main protagonist apart from directing. Alongside him a stellar cast featuring Sharlto Copley, Pitobash Tripathy, Vipin Sharma, Sikandar Kher, Adithi Kalkunte, Sobhita Dhulipala, Ashwini Kalsekar, Makarand Deshpande, Jatin Malik, and Zakir Hussain, the film weaves a gripping narrative that transcends mere action. Alongside the action, very important themes and an Indian mythology setting are some of the biggest points of interest. However, the arrival of the movie at Indian cinemas is not confirmed. This is because of the movie’s treatment of certain social topics. Apart from that the studio still holds the intention to take the movie there.
Premiering to acclaim at South by Southwest on March 11, 2024, “Monkey Man” makes its theatrical debut in the United States and Canada on April 5, 2024, distributed by Universal Pictures. Garnering positive reviews from critics, the film marks a significant milestone in Patel‘s career, showcasing his versatility as both an actor and director.
Dev Patel’s Indian roots play a huge role in “Monkey Man”
Set amidst the serene backdrop of a forest village in India, “Monkey Man” delves into the lives of Kid and his mother Neela. Neela’s tales of the legendary Hanuman serve as a source of inspiration for Kid, shaping his worldview. However, Baba Shakti, a ruthless spiritual leader, shatters their idyllic existence by dispatching the corrupt police chief Rana Singh to forcibly evict the villagers and seize their land. Despite the massacre that ensues, Neela manages to hide Kid, though he witnesses the brutal demise of his mother, leaving him emotionally scarred. Reduced to ashes, the village serves as a reminder of the brutality held against it.
Years later, Kid finds himself eking out a living in Yatana, a bustling city fraught with corruption and vice. Donning the guise of a masked fighter at the infamous “Tiger’s Temple,” Kid becomes embroiled in the underground world of blood-soaked boxing matches, where victory often comes at a steep price. As he navigates this treacherous landscape, Kid harbors a burning desire for revenge against Baba Shakti and Rana Singh, both of whom continue to wield their influence with impunity.
Production was a tricky journey but everything ended up with the best result possible
The production journey of “Monkey Man” was a challenge for Patel and his team. Initially slated to be filmed on location in India, the project faced numerous setbacks due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. After those difficulties, Patel opted to relocate the production to a small island in Batam, Indonesia, where filming finally started. However, more complications arrived and Dev Patel suffered a hand injury during the filming of the first action sequence, further complicating the production process. Still, that was not enough to make the British director give up.
Despite the problems that happened during the filming of the movie, “Monkey Man” emerges as a testament to Patel’s unwavering dedication to his craft. With filming wrapped in March 2021, the film secured a lucrative deal with Netflix, which acquired worldwide rights for $30 million. However, concerns about the film’s gritty portrayal of societal issues prompted Netflix to reconsider its release strategy, ultimately leading to Universal Pictures stepping in to distribute the film. However, we might still see it arrive on Netflix after its life course in cinemas is over.
Accompanying the film’s riveting narrative is a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack composed by Jed Kurzel, which serves to heighten the emotional resonance of each scene. From the pulsating beats of the fight sequences to the somber melodies that underscore moments of introspection, Kurzel’s score adds depth and nuance to the cinematic experience.
Cast for Monkey Man:
- Dev Patel as Kid / Bobby / Monkey Man
- Jatin Malik as Young Kid
- Sharlto Copley as Tiger
- Pitobash as Alphonso
- Vipin Sharma as Alpha
- Sikandar Kher as Rana Singh
- Sobhita Dhulipala as Sita
- Ashwini Kalsekar as Queenie Kapoor
- Adithi Kalkunte as Neela
- Makarand Deshpande as Baba Shakti
- Zakir Hussain as Tabla Maestro
Reviews are already here and the reception of the film is very positive
Following its premiere at South by Southwest, “Monkey Man” embarks on a global journey, captivating audiences in various countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia. However, its release in India faces delays due to concerns surrounding its content, particularly its depiction of sensitive themes. Still, intentions to bring the film are still strong. If it will be possible is still an incognite.
Despite these challenges, “Monkey Man” proves to be a commercial success, grossing $16.1 million globally as of April 10, 2024. Critical reception is equally favorable, with reviewers praising Patel‘s direction and the film’s thought-provoking exploration of societal issues. While some critiques are leveled at its pacing and editing choices, the consensus remains overwhelmingly positive, cementing “Monkey Man” as a must-watch cinematic experience.
Guillermo Lorenzo Manzano
