I was invited to the premiere screening of Dev Patel’s Monkey Man thanks to Universal Pictures, and prior to it I watched an interview with Patel on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. I was surprised to learn just how much of his heart and soul went into this film. Also to learn how much difficulty he went through completing this film which took over 3 years.
In the heart of Mumbai, where neon signs flicker, Monkey Man unfolds. Dev Patel, in his remarkable writing-directing debut, plunges us into a world of ultraviolence, revenge, and a dash of satirical wit. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill action flick; it’s a blood-soaked political tale that leaves no room for mercy.
Patel, as the lead Bobby, channels raw fury. His backstory is etched in tragedy; a forest-dwelling childhood, and the tales of the monkey god Hanuman whispered by his single mother. But greed and corruption tear his world apart. Enter the spiritual guru and the police chief. Bobby’s mission? Payback. He infiltrates the criminal underworld, moonlighting as a monkey-masked fighter in bare-knuckle brawls, I mean who doesn’t love a vigilante right? (Hence why I love Batman lol)
Patel’s martial arts mastery is no illusion. He kickboxes, pummels, and leaves bad guys sprawled like discarded playing cards. The men’s room punch-up—walls collapsing, mirrors shattering—is gloriously old-fashioned but effective. Patel’s transformation from the gentle knight in “The Green Knight” to this vengeful force is electrifying. The visuals are also just as captivating, Mumbai becomes a character—a neon-lit, chaotic beast. The camera prowls through alleyways, capturing the city’s pulse. Monkey Man isn’t just about fists and fury though. Patel covertly skims on the subject of nationalism. As Bobby seeks vengeance, we get a glimpse of a fractured society.
This isn’t just a movie; it’s a primal scream against injustice. Patel’s debut is a thunderclap—a promise of more to come. So, buckle up, embrace the chaos, and let the neon lights guide you. Mumbai awaits, and Bobby’s fury burns brighter than any city skyline.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
