Monkey Man: Dev Patel’s directorial debut blends action with social commentary

WBB DESK: British actor Dev Patel made his directorial debut with the release of the movie “Monkey Man” on Friday.

The actor of “Slumdog Millionaire” fame ventured into the realm of action genre with his latest project, blending high-octane thrills with insightful social commentary.

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According to Patel, the movie was inspired by his love for action movies. The Dev Patel-starer, however, also incorporates elements of Hindu mythology, a nod to the director’s Indian roots.

The movie centers on Patel’s character embarking on a journey of vengeance against a formidable person who wrought havoc upon his childhood village in India.

Monkey Man is perceived by many in the Western world as a commentary on British colonial history in India. However, many in the South Asian diaspora will not fail to catch direct allusion to the stringent caste system that still haunts modern India.

The movie delves into themes of faith, power, and social injustice. Through the protagonist, Patel confronts societal norms, showcasing the struggles of the underprivileged and disadvantaged against entrenched systems of oppression.

The movie faced major hurdles during production, including financing and logistical issues worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Monkey Man features a predominantly Indian-origin cast, including Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley, Pitobash, Sobhita Dhulipala, and Adithi Kalkunte, despite being a collaboration between the United States and United Kingdom. The movie was shot in various locations, from India to Indonesia.

The movie premiered worldwide on March 11 before its theatrical release in April 5. Monkey Man is distributed by Universal Pictures and boasting a budget of $10 million.

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Monkey Man Man marks Patel’s foray into directing, with him also assuming the lead role. He collaborated on the screenplay with Paul Angunawela and John Collee.

Monkey Man is arguably an expensive and risky passion project for Patel with him serving as a writer, actor and director.