Oscar-nominated actor Dev Patel is embarking on a thrilling journey of transformation with his directorial debut, “Monkey Man,” set to be theatrically released by Universal Pictures on April 5.
In Short
Dev Patel’s Directional Debut
Oscar-nominated actor Dev Patel is embarking on a thrilling journey of transformation with his directorial debut, “Monkey Man,” set to be theatrically released by Universal Pictures on April 5. Through his Monkey paw Productions, Jordan Peele is producing the movie, which has already achieved critical acclaim.
The first trailer was released on Friday
Patel plays an enigmatic young man in the movie who leads a modest existence in an underground boxing club. Wearing a gorilla mask, he endures night after night of brutal beatings at the hands of well-known boxers—all for financial gain. The movie is based on the story of the Lord Hanuman.
The logline reveals, “After years of suppressed anger, Kid finds a way into the perilous underworld of the city’s privileged class.
When the scars from his early life start to heal, he embarks on a journey of revenge against those who stole everything from him.”
Starring Dev Patel, best known for his violent actions in the role of “John Wick,” the film’s trailer vividly captures the dramatic action sequences.
Patel’s character wants to get brutal payback by shooting, stabbing, and taking down shooters. He viciously attacks someone’s neck once, clenching a knife between his teeth.
Patel directed “Monkey Man” based on his original story and collaborated on the screenplay with Paul Angunawela and John Collee. Although originally set for release on Netflix, the film is now hitting theaters theatrically through the Monkeypaw film deal with Universal.
About Monkey Man
In the film, Dev Patel plays a man out for vengeance against dishonest officials who killed his mother and often mistreated the weak and destitute. Dev portrays Kid, an anonymous youth leading a meager life in an underground fight club where, night after night, he endures brutal beatings from popular fighters wearing a gorilla mask for cash.
Revenge. Is. Primal. #MonkeyManMovie only in theaters April 5. pic.twitter.com/pZ0KrWpJ5B
— Monkey Man (@monkeymanmovie) January 26, 2024
“After years of suppressed anger, Kid finds a way into the perilous underworld of the city’s privileged class. As his childhood scars deepen, he initiates an explosive campaign of revenge against those who took everything from him,” as stated in the official logline.
Famous Indian actors PitoBash, Makarand Deshpande, Ashwini Kalsekar, Aditi Kalkunte, Sikander Kher, and Shobhita Dhulipala star in the film alongside Charlotte Copley.
Another John Wick?
After watching trailer many viewers will recall the movie john wick based on the action visuals. And it is obvious because the kind of action john wick showed us is unmatchable, specially hand to hand combats. Similar combats can be seen in the trailer of dev patel’s movie. But other than action in monkey man it has other elements. Like the reference of lord Hanuman, when we were shown about his childhood in the trailer and the monkey mask when he is in fight arena which signifies the strength Lord Hanuman provides.
Indian touch:
The other thing dev patel’s movie shows is the rich Indian culture. It is very unfortunate that very few Indian films have been able to depict the true essence of Indian culture. But in this trailer we can see the fine details of our Indian cultures, be it raamleela, the costume design or music. The blend of Indian culture and western movie making experience has brought us this exciting trailer.
What Indian film industry can learn?
Learning is inevitable if one wants to improve. It implies to every field. Indian film industry has seen a rise nowadays after a significant downfall, specially Bollywood. Meanwhile south Indian movies succeed. The reason for that is simple. Southern cinema sticked to it’s roots. Yes, they glorified their heros or main character but the music and story were always connected to their roots, which makes the sense, more regional is more universal. But Bollywood has gained it’s pace again but repeating the same formula tested by southern cinema. Instead of taking inspiration or copying Bollywood should work on it’s basics
