Dev Patel’s Directorial Debut: “Monkey Man”
British actor Dev Patel has come a long way from his first appearance in hit teen TV drama “Skins,” all the way back in 2007. This year, the BAFTA-winning and Oscar-nominated actor — with an eclectic resume to show for it — graduated to filmmaker status with his directorial debut “Monkey Man,” in which he also stars.
A Love Letter to India
On the sidelines of the Red Sea International Film Festival, Patel revealed that “Monkey Man” was his love letter to India, “the country that’s formed me most personally and professionally.”
An Action Revenge Film
An action revenge film that drew comparisons to the Keanu Reeves-starring “John Wick,” “Monkey Man” follows an anonymous young man (Patel) as he unleashes a campaign of vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother — all while wearing a Hanuman (Hindu monkey deity) mask. The film, featuring heavy socio-political commentary about wider systemic issues in India, is still waiting to get a release in the country.
Addressing Violence Against Women
Patel also wanted to use the movie to talk about violence against women in India, drawing inspiration from real-life incidents like the 2012 Delhi gang rape and murder, commonly known as the Nirbhaya case.
A Trojan Horse of Culture
Patel described the film as a Trojan horse to introduce American viewers to “culture and flair,” along with some socio-political messaging, all wrapped in the package of an action film.
A Grueling Filming Experience
Patel said that he was a “man possessed” during the making of the film, which he shot in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, he expressed pride in the final product and the experience of bringing his vision to life.
Future Projects
Now that he has realized his childhood dream of making an action film, Patel has a slate of new projects in the works, including a creature feature about the immigrant journey and a rally driving movie in Kenya.