'Monkey Man' Review: Dev Patel's 'Monkey Man' Packs A Political Punch

Dev Patel throws himself body and soul into ‘Monkey Man,’ a directorial debut brimming with unbridled passion and a touch of everything (including the kitchen sink). This self-assured genre mashup occasionally stumbles, but its sheer audacity and Patel's raw talent leave a lasting impression.

Directorial Debut From Dev Patel

In ‘Monkey Man’ Patel wears many hats here, writer, producer, star, and even fight choreographer (with a few broken bones to show for it). He name-checks cinematic icons like Bruce Lee, Sammo Hung, and Bollywood legends, weaving their influences into ‘Monkey Man’ with an almost desperate fervour. The result is ‘Monkey Man’ feels overstuffed, a filmmaker unleashing a lifetime of movie dreams onto the screen.

Considering the film's reportedly troubled production (Patel even credits Jordan Peele with "saving" it), the very existence of ‘Monkey Man’ feels like a minor miracle, and that infectious enthusiasm is undeniable.

When ‘Monkey Man’ clicks, it clicks hard. Patel, as the unnamed fighter known only as ‘Kid,’ inhabits the role with fierce determination. He spends his nights in a grimy underground fight club, masked and battered, fuelled by a silent rage. Patel's expressive eyes speak volumes, conveying a steely resolve that transcends dialogue.

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Monkey Man Cast

The supporting cast, including Sharlto Copley as a sleazy fight promoter, Sikander Kher as Rana, Sobhita Dhulipala as a mysterious club worker, and Pitobash as a reluctant ally, all deliver solid performances. Still, this is Patel's show.

Inspired by the Hindu deity Hanuman, ‘Monkey Man’ is a slow burn, methodically building towards a brutal climax. The action sequences themselves are worth the wait. Patel curates a global buffet of fighting styles, infused with shocking violence rarely seen in mainstream Hollywood. ‘Monkey Man" is raw, visceral, and deeply unsettling. The credit here goes not just to Patel's choreography, but to the editing team and cinematographer Sharone Meir, who keeps the camera glued to the action, creating a frenetic, immersive experience.

However, ‘Monkey Man’ isn't all blood and broken bones. The film weaves in political subtext, its commentary on contemporary India likely resonating more deeply with viewers familiar with the country's social and political landscape. For those of us on the outside looking in, the film's attempts to tackle religion, mythology, and social justice can feel clunky, even confusing.

Patel relies heavily on flashbacks as emotional crutches, underestimating the power of his performance. His silent stoicism speaks volumes, and the constant revisiting of past trauma feels unnecessary.

'Monkey Man' may stumble at times, but it firmly establishes Patel as a filmmaker to watch, whose restless creativity and singular voice promise even greater things to come.

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Image Courtesy: IMDb