Unveiling the Excitement Behind Dev Patel's Directorial Debut 'Monkey Man': Release Date, Plot, and Beyond

Everything to Know About Dev Patel Directorial Debut Monkey Man

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Dev Patel never planned to direct the upcoming action thriller Monkey Man, in which he also co-wrote and starred.

During a Q&A session following Monkey Man's premiere at South By Southwest in Austin, Texas in March 2024, Patel revealed, "I originally took it to Neill Blomkamp. Me and Neill were discussing it, and he said, 'Man, I think you should do this. You know every corner of it.' I was hesitant, saying, 'I can't do it.' But he insisted, 'You can.' So, I was reluctantly pushed into the director's chair."

After Patel took on the main role, the movie faced various challenges such as delays due to the coronavirus and problems with the budget.

During a discussion session, Patel mentioned that there weren't sufficient stunt performers in the film. He shared that he had to defeat the same group of eight individuals multiple times in the climactic scenes.

After facing challenges without a distributor, Monkey Man received a miracle when Jordan Peele saw and liked the film. His decision to sign on as a producer attracted Universal Pictures to follow suit.

Learn more about Patel's directorial debut by continuing to scroll.

Exploring the Plot of ‘Monkey Man’

Kid, played by Patel, is the main character in Monkey Man. He works in an underground fight club and is on a mission for vengeance. His target? A group of corrupt leaders who not only caused the death of his mother but also committed various crimes against those less fortunate.

Patel shared with the Austin American Statesman in March 2024 that while the film has been likened to the John Wick franchise, he actually took inspiration from a variety of action heroes.

The Slumdog Millionaire actor mentioned, “This film is a product of my admiration for a wide range of action cinema, from legends like Bruce Lee, Sammo Hung, Jet Li, and Jackie Chan to the groundbreaking Korean cinema that had a profound impact on me. And of course, Bollywood.”

At SXSW, Patel shared that he aimed to bring authenticity to the action genre. He expressed his desire to move away from the typical mindless films that prioritize making money quickly. Instead, he wanted to create a film with real emotions, real struggles, and real depth. Patel believed that the audience deserved a movie that was more meaningful and culturally rich.

Is ‘Monkey Man’ Based on a Real Story?

Everything to Know About Dev Patel Directorial Debut Monkey Man

Universal Pictures

Patel said at the film’s SXSW premiere that the idea for Monkey Man stemmed from the story of Hanuman, the half-human, half-monkey Hindu deity.

Hanuman really fascinated me. He has always been a symbol for my father and many in my family. What intrigued me as I grew up was the imagery of this incredibly strong being who could hold mountains with one hand and even split his chest open. It reminded me of Superman's imagery. I thought, "This is incredible, I wish more people knew about it."

Some aspects of the storyline were also influenced by the tragic 2012 incident of a young woman being gang-raped and murdered on a bus in Delhi, India. Patel mentioned that he wanted to create a film centered around the idea of standing up for what is right and just.

What Has Dev Patel Said About Making ‘Monkey Man’?

Everything to Know About Dev Patel Directorial Debut Monkey Man

Patel shared with the audience at SXSW how he poured his heart into his directorial debut. He filmed the movie in India's largest slum, but faced setbacks when Covid struck. Despite everything going wrong, Peele stepped in at the last moment. He helped revive the project and gave it the recognition it deserved.

Dev Patel's Efforts Earn Him a Standing Ovation

Patel’s dedication and efforts were acknowledged with a standing ovation at the conclusion of the screening. A video posted by Variety captured his emotional reaction to the audience's admiration.

Dev Patel's Injuries During the Making of 'Monkey Man'

Patel faced several physical injuries during the filming of Monkey Man, such as a broken hand, broken toes, and a torn shoulder.

In an interview with USA Today in March 2024, Patel shared, "It was quite challenging to have my hand in a cast throughout the entire film. The doctor inserted a screw in my hand and advised me not to put any weight on it. Despite this, we continued filming. We had to modify all the choreography to accommodate one-handed movements."

What Has Jordan Peele Said About ‘Monkey Man’?

Everything to Know About Dev Patel Directorial Debut Monkey Man

Peele emphasized the importance of watching the film in a theater with a big, enthusiastic crowd during Monkey Man's SXSW premiere. He believes that this movie showcases the versatility of films. It can tell a compelling story with depth and meaning while also delivering some intense action scenes.

Patel shared with USA Today that when Peele supported the film, it reminded him of a scene from Pretty Woman. In the movie, Julia Roberts' character goes back to a fancy store in a glamorous outfit to confront a woman who had snubbed her earlier.

Patel humorously compared himself to Julia Roberts in the situation, except he was covered in fake blood and holding a prop knife.

Who Is in the Cast of ‘Monkey Man’?

Everything to Know About Dev Patel Directorial Debut Monkey Man

Universal Pictures

Monkey Man features a talented cast that includes Indian actors Pitobash, Vipin Sharma, Sikander Kher, Sobhita Dhulipala, Ashwini Kalsekar, and Makarand Deshpande. Additionally, South African actor Sharlto Copley, who collaborated with Patel in the 2015 film Chappie, is also part of the cast.

When Is ‘Monkey Man’ Coming Out?

The film hits theaters on April 5, 2024.

Editor's P/S:

Dev Patel's directorial debut, "Monkey Man," has garnered much attention due to its unique blend of action, authenticity, and cultural significance. Patel's journey from co-writer and star to reluctant director adds an intriguing layer to the film's creation. The challenges he faced, including budget constraints, stunt performer shortages, and COVID-related delays, showcase his resilience and determination. The film's exploration of vengeance, social justice, and the power of standing up for what is right resonates with audiences, while its inspiration from diverse action cinema and the story of Hanuman brings a fresh perspective to the genre.

Patel's commitment to authenticity extends beyond the action sequences. His choice to film in India's largest slum and incorporate elements of the Delhi bus gang-rape case adds depth and emotional weight to the film. Jordan Peele's involvement as a producer not only helped secure distribution but also highlighted the film's potential to deliver both thrilling action and meaningful storytelling. The standing ovation Patel received at the film's premiere is a testament to his hard work and the impact his directorial vision has made. "Monkey Man" promises to be an action-packed and thought-provoking cinematic experience that explores themes of revenge, justice, and the power of resilience.