Dev Patel Unleashes Fury in Action Thriller Monkey Man
Oscar-nominated actor Dev Patel is stepping behind the camera for the first time as writer and director for the upcoming action thriller Monkey Man. Inspired by the Hindu legend of Hanuman, Patel stars as a masked vigilante seeking vengeance in the corrupt underworld of Mumbai. With intense action sequences and themes of retribution, Monkey Man promises to be an explosive directorial debut.
A Story of Trauma and Vengeance
Monkey Man follows a young man named Kid (Dev Patel) who works in an underground fight club, battling night after night in a gorilla mask for cash. Haunted by the murder of his mother at the hands of Mumbai’s elite, Kid harnesses his rage to infiltrate the ranks of the city’s corrupt leaders. With his scarred hands, he wages a campaign of explosive retribution.
Patel has described the film as a passion project inspired by his childhood love of Hindu mythology. The character of Kid draws parallels to the legend of Hanuman, an icon of strength and courage. Yet Kid is also driven by intense childhood trauma, a need to settle old scores, and years of suppressed fury. As these darker motivations rise to the surface, Kid morphs into a force of vengeance.
Slick Action in the Underworld of Mumbai
In realizing his original screenplay, Patel’s directorial debut as been compared to the action and style of the John Wick franchise. Monkey Man promises adrenaline-fueled fight sequences and slick stunt work as Kid battles his way through the Mumbai underworld.
Early footage shows Patel’s character clad in black, unleashing his rage in brutal hand-to-hand combat. The fight choreography is raw and visceral, shot with a gritty, realistic edge. As Kid’s quest progresses, the action ramps up to car chases, parkour-laced foot pursuits, and citywide destruction.
A Talented Supporting Cast
An international cast backs up Patel’s lead role, including Sharlto Copley (District 9), Sobhita Dhulipala (Made in Heaven), and Sikandar Kher (Aarya). Other supporting actors include Pitobash, Vipin Sharma, Ashwini Kalsekar, Adithi Kalkunte, and Makarand Deshpande.
Copley, known for playing unhinged characters, seems a natural fit as an underworld crime lord. Dhulipala adds dexterity as a partner in Kid’s crusade. And the ensemble of Indian actors grounds the film in the setting of Mumbai.
Ambitious Directorial Debut for Patel
With Monkey Man, Patel joins the ranks of actors transitioning into directing, like Jordan Peele and Bradley Cooper. He co-wrote the original screenplay and assembled an impressive production team. Oscar-winner Jordan Peele came on board as producer, lending his expertise in social thrillers.
Monkey Man marks an ambitious step for Patel, who broke out with his Oscar-nominated performance in Slumdog Millionaire. The film allows him to showcase new facets of his talent – as writer, director, and action star.
Bringing Hindu Mythology to the Mainstream
Perhaps most exciting is how Monkey Man brings Hindu representation into mainstream Western cinema. The film draws inspiration from the great Hindu epics like Ramayana. Yet it infuses these mythological themes with modern relevance.
In Kid’s moral complexity, thirst for retribution, and hidden pain, Patel has crafted a character both godlike and profoundly human. Blending spirituality with the earthly underbelly, Monkey Man tells a timely story of trauma, redemption, and the roots of humanity’s light and darkness.
Monkey Man hits theaters on April 5, 2024. With Dev Patel steering the film through action, drama, and myth, it’s undoubtedly one of the year’s most anticipated releases.
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