Dev Patel wholeheartedly invested himself into the creation of "Monkey Man", an action movie inspired by a medley of influences spanning Bruce Lee, Sammo Hung, Korean action, Bollywood and more. Overflowing with passion and the underlying fear of not getting another opportunity to realize his vision onscreen, this film is a testament to Patel's dedication as the writer, director, producer, and star.
In "Monkey Man", Patel goes beyond mere acting and extends himself into donning an array of hats. Amidst an arduous production process that began before Covid-19, the film's existence is deemed miraculous. Patel lauds Jordan Peele, another producer on the film, for his instrumental role in preserving the project.
Drawing inspiration from the legend of Hanuman, Patel embodies an anonymous fighter labeled 'Kid' in the credits. The character is frequently seen in a gorilla mask battling it out for money, courtesy of a shady promoter played by Sharlto Copley. Beyond his seemingly brute exterior, Patel channels impressive expressiveness into 'Kid', portraying a tenacious young fighter who remains undeterred despite his challenges.
The film follows 'Kid's' unconventional journey, from theft-initiated employment at an elite club to his evolution into a lethal force. The club is a hub for influential figures of the city, including political delegates and a cruel police chief, portrayed by Sikandar Kher, who shattered 'Kid's' life. Various recurring characters add dynamism to the story, but Patel's commanding presence leads the show.
"Monkey Man” may surprise viewers expecting a relentless action fest. The film oscillates between preparation and detailed action sequences. Despite housing only two primary action scenes, the extremely intense, visually striking combat enriched with global action flare and stark savagery makes the build-up worthwhile. The raw, spontaneous energy of the fights, amplified by the commendable cinematography and editing, holds viewers spellbound.
Although "Monkey Man's" action sequences prove unforgettable, the movie stumbles in intersecting areas. Oversaturated with complex elements of religion, mythology, equal rights, and politics, some subtexts may appear clumsy. Patel also tends to over-rely on flashbacks to maintain viewer engagement between fight scenes.
Despite occasional narrative and pacing hiccups, Dev Patel emerges as an undeniable talent, both onscreen and off. His vigor and immersive storytelling promise great things for the future. "Monkey Man" not only introduces a potential action franchise character but crafts Patel's origin story as a promising action star and director. The film premiered at the SXSW Film Festival and will hit screens on April 5th.
