MONKEY MAN – Inside the Electrifying World of Dev Patel’s Directorial Debut

Dev Patel's MONKEY MAN promises a "bombastic, fun ride" through a tale of vengeance, inspired by the legend of Hanuman
MONKEY MAN

In the cinematic landscape, where tales of revenge and justice often tread familiar ground, Monkey Man emerges as a breath of fresh air. This action thriller, marking the directorial debut of Oscar® nominee Dev Patel, promises audiences a “bombastic, fun ride” unlike any other. Slated for release only in theaters on April 5, Monkey Man beckons viewers to take a deeper look into its exhilarating universe through its latest featurette, inviting both fans and newcomers alike to share in the excitement.

A Hero Forged from Legend and Struggle

Dev Patel, known for his compelling performances in The Newsroom, Lion, and Slumdog Millionaire, not only directs but also stars in the film as Kid, a character inspired by the legendary figure Hanuman, who symbolizes strength and courage. Kid’s life in the underground fight club, his battles donning a gorilla mask, and his quest for vengeance against the corrupt elite who destroyed his life, form the crux of this narrative.

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Monkey Man‘s plot weaves Kid’s journey from a fighter, beaten and bruised for entertainment, to a man on a mission. His past, marred by the tragic murder of his mother and a childhood of systemic oppression, ignites a path of retribution fueled by “mysteriously scarred hands” and a heart seeking justice. The film’s pulse-pounding action sequences, combined with a deeply personal story of overcoming trauma, set Monkey Man apart in the action thriller genre.

A Collaborative Cinematic Vision

The screenplay, a collaborative effort between Patel, Paul Angunawela, and John Collee, ensures that the story of Monkey Man is as layered as it is thrilling. The ensemble cast, including Sharlto Copley, Pitobash, and Vipin Sharma, brings to life a tale that is global in its scope yet intimate in its emotions.

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Produced by a team including Patel himself, along with cinematic heavyweights like Jordan Peele and Basil Iwanyk, Monkey Man is presented by Universal Pictures as a culmination of talent from across the film industry. This collaborative effort spans several production houses, highlighting the film’s broad appeal and the universal themes it encapsulates.

As Monkey Man prepares to make its mark, its “Look Inside” featurette serves not just as a teaser but as an invitation to witness a story of courage, vengeance, and the indomitable human spirit. With its unique blend of mythological inspiration and gritty realism, Monkey Man is poised to be a cinematic experience that transcends the traditional boundaries of the action thriller genre.

Monkey Man releases in theaters on April 5, 2024. Tickets on sale now!

About Monkey Man

Monkey Man

Release Date: In theaters April 5, 2024
Director: Dev Patel
Story by: Dev Patel
Screenplay by: Dev Patel and Paul Angunawela and John Collee
Producers: Dev Patel, Jomon Thomas p.g.a., Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, Ian Cooper, Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee p.g.a., Christine Haebler, Sam Sahni, Anjay Nagpal
Executive Producers: Jonathan Fuhrman, Natalya Pavchinskaya, Jason Cloth, Suraj Maraboyina, Adam Somer, Aaron L. Gilbert, Andria Spring, Alison-Jane Roney, Steven Thibault
Genre: Action Thriller
Cast:  Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley, Pitobash, Vipin Sharma, Sikandar Kher, Adithi Kalkunte, Sobhita Dhulipala, Ashwini Kalsekar, Makarand Deshpande, Jatin Malik and Zakir Hussain.

Synopsis
Inspired by the legend of Hanuman, an icon embodying strength and courage, Monkey Man stars Patel as Kid, an anonymous young man who ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club where, night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he is beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash.

After years of suppressed rage, Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city’s sinister elite. As his childhood trauma boils over, his mysteriously scarred hands unleash an explosive campaign of retribution to settle the score with the men who took everything from him.

Are you ready to dive into the gritty world of Monkey Man? Will Dev Patel’s directorial debut redefine action thrillers? Do you already have your tickets? Let us know what you think on Discord!

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Kevin Fenix

Professional Nerd | Amateur Human | Creative/Content Director The best way to describe Kevin Fenix is the kid you never tell what the buttons do in video games so you have a chance to win. Being 6’ 4” and Asian, he never really fit in, so he got comfortable standing out. Not only is it easy to find him in crowds, he dabbles in the culinary arts, does a little stand up and improv, and can honestly say Spider-Man is the Jesus-like influence of his life. Kevin Fenix loves dogs, movies, television, comics, comedy, and to shoot people… with video.