‘Monkey Man’ Review: Dev Patel’s Directorial Debut Packs A One-Two Punch Of Action And Social Commentary – SXSW

Dev Patel’s Monkey Man draws from the ancient lore surrounding Hanuman, a revered figure in Hindu tradition symbolizing intellect, might, valor, fidelity and discipline — much like his character in this film who is the underdog savior of the broken and the displaced. Having written, directed and starred in the film, Patel derives a lot of inspiration from familiar action films to create something refreshing and new, while also educating the audience on some of the ongoing disparities taking place in India, particularly between the haves and the have-nots. His kinetic direction and tense fight sequences, mixed with a deep reverence of Indian folklore, helps stake his claim as a future of action cinema. 

In Monkey Man, Kid (Patel) is a young man haunted by the memory of his mother Neela (Adithi Kalkunte), and the violence that snatched her away. Neela’s stories of Hanuman, a deity symbolizing strength and resilience, serve as a guiding light for Kid as he navigates a life marred by tragedy. The film starkly portrays Kid’s transformation from a victim of circumstances to a determined avenger, embarking on a mission to dismantle the corrupt nexus led by the ruthless police chief Rana (Sikandar Kher) responsible for his mother’s death and his own disfigurement. Kid’s initial attempt at retribution involves infiltrating the corrupt elite’s circle, a quest that leads him to cross paths with Queenie Kapoor (Ashwini Kalsekar), an associate of Rana’s, using her to edge closer to his targets. 

Kid’s journey is marked by significant alliances and confrontations. He forms a crucial bond with Alfonso (Pitobash), a figure entwined with the corrupt elite, who assists Kid in climbing the ranks to get closer to Rana and his nefarious operations, including human trafficking and political corruption, which are overseen by the deceptive Baba Shakti (Makarand Deshpande). The encounter with Sita (Sobhita Dhulipala), a woman embroiled in this dark world against her will, shifts Kid’s focus from personal vendetta to a broader fight against injustice, igniting a shared mission to break free from the chains of exploitation. However, it’s encouragement from Alpha (Vipin Sharma), a leader of marginalized trans women, that rekindles his resolve to continue the fight that highlights the collective struggle against oppressive forces.

Monkey Man balances fast-paced action with poignant social commentary. The film’s narrative is a canvas reflection of India’s societal structure, juxtaposing the lives of the haves against the have-nots through compelling visual storytelling. Patel’s depiction of Kid’s journey is not just a tale of personal revenge but also an allegory for the larger battle against the systemic corruption and exploitation endemic in Indian society. This is how the film distinguishes itself, through its profound political undertones, reminiscent of Bruce Lee’s narratives that often paralleled martial arts prowess against colonial and imperialist aggression. But there is also a diverse array of other action films at play here like John Wick, The Raid and Old Boy among others. 

One of the film’s most revolutionary aspects is its portrayal of trans women as heroes. This bold choice not only challenges stereotypes in action cinema but also imbues the film with a deeply inclusive spirit, resonating with the broader struggles of marginalized communities. Through Kid’s alliance with these characters, Patel extends the film’s narrative from a personal vendetta to a collective fight for dignity and justice, thus giving the film queer sensibilities as a kid is someone who was alone and has found a home and a family with India’s most displaced peoples.

Despite its strengths, Monkey Man occasionally grapples with pacing issues, particularly in its second act. The depth of storytelling and the exploration of Indian folklore, while enriching, sometimes dilute the film’s momentum. Nonetheless, these moments of reflection and backstory are essential to understanding the full scope of Kid’s transformation and the socio-cultural commentary embedded within the film. This is also underscored by the expertly crafted action sequences that are as inventive as they are sleek. 

Although these sequences are sparse, their execution showcases Patel’s meticulous study and appreciation of the genre, striving for authenticity and precision. Despite a few scenes lacking crystal-clear execution, the majority successfully convey each punch, kick and stab with intensity. Patel’s commitment to his dual role as director and actor is palpable. He visibly pushes himself to the limit, embodying the physical toll of his character’s journey. This dedication suggests Patel has invested not just effort but his very essence into making this film resonate.

Patel’s directorial journey showcases his keen eye for action and narrative depth. The film leaves audiences with a profound message: In a world rife with injustice, sometimes radical action is necessary to forge new paths. His blend of folklore and socio-political critique into an engaging action-packed experience showcases a side of Indian cinema (outside of the Hollywood machine) that often goes underappreciated internationally. Despite India’s fame for Bollywood spectacles, its burgeoning action film scene deserves wider recognition and acclaim. Patel’s directorial finesse and meticulous attention to detail in Monkey Man suggests he has a promising future in directing more films within this genre and beyond.

Title: Monkey Man
Festival: SXSW (Headliner)
Distributor: Universal
Release date: April 5, 2024
Director: Dev Patel
Screenwriters: Dev Patel and Paul Angunawela and John Collee
Cast: Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley, Pitobash, Vipin Sharma, Sikandar Kher, Sobhita Dhulipala, Ashwini Kalsekar, Adithi Kalkunte,, Makarand Deshpande
Rating: R
Running time: 2 hr, 0 min