Monkey Man almost didn’t make it to theaters, but Us director Jordan Peele was so impressed that he withdrew the film from Netflix. This action film by British-Indian actor Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire) is his personal tribute to the films with Bruce Lee. A directorial debut that is certainly worth it.
Monkey Man tells a revenge story about a nobody (Patel himself) who manages to gain access as a waiter to a casino hotel of powerful people in Mumbai. When he is not working, he participates, hidden behind a monkey mask, in arranged brawls. What his ultimate goal is only becomes clear later.
You are not the least bit impressed by the flashy action that Patel manages to put into his first film. During some scenes, Monkey Man is even a bit reminiscent of The Raid films. However, the entire third act resembles an Indian version of John Wick.
Yet Patel’s film is more inventive, in that it draws its inspiration from Hanuman, a Hindu god, and a bizarre 2001 incident in New Delhi. That link with Indian culture elevates Monkey Man above the average action and revenge film. By the way, Patel is a much better actor than Keanu ‘granite head’ Reeves.
Patel also adds a sociopolitical twist. The main culprits here are the police, the politicians and a manipulative guru. These three conspire against the lowest caste that wants to deprive them of their last piece of land. That makes you very curious to know how this film will do in India.
At its core, Monkey Man remains a relatively traditional thriller in which the hero is virtually immortal and the villains are mega-evil. However, those who like fighting, bleeding, running and more fighting and bleeding will have a great time.
Dev Patel was in front and behind the camera of this action film about a nobody who wants revenge on the corrupt elite responsible for a great loss. An Indian John Wick with a sociopolitical sauce.
Directed by Dev Patel
Cast Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley, Pitobash
Playing time 2h01
In cinemas from April 3
