In Monkey Man, Dev Patel explodes onto the action scene not just as a leading man, but as a powerhouse director in a film that blends gritty martial arts, social fury, and mythological undertones. Set in the chaotic underbelly of a fictional Indian city, the film tells a deeply personal revenge story fueled by trauma, loss, and a thirst for justice.
Patel plays Kid, an unnamed street fighter scarred physically and emotionally by childhood tragedy. Living in a brutal world of underground cage matches, he wears a gorilla mask and is known only for his endurance and brutality. But behind his silence lies a purpose: vengeance against the corrupt elites who destroyed his family and continue to oppress the powerless.
When Kid finally infiltrates a high-society political event disguised as a waiter, all hell breaks loose. What begins as a covert mission turns into a blood-soaked uprising. Through flashbacks, we learn about his mother’s murder, his connection to ancient Hanuman legends, and the systemic cruelty that has turned Kid into a symbol of fury.
Dev Patel’s direction is sharp, intimate, and unrelenting. From claustrophobic fight scenes filmed with handheld urgency to wide, neon-soaked shots of the city’s decay, Monkey Man is both visceral and poetic. It channels the rage of a generation through the fists of one man, echoing the tone of John Wick and the social commentary of V for Vendetta.
The film draws inspiration from Hindu mythology—Hanuman, the monkey god, becomes a symbolic thread, linking Kid’s journey to something larger than personal revenge. This isn’t just about killing bad guys—it’s about restoring balance, reclaiming dignity, and awakening a sleeping nation.
Patel’s performance is transformative. He embodies pain, restraint, and explosive anger with stunning realism. The supporting cast—particularly Sobhita Dhulipala as a mysterious informant and Sikandar Kher as the chilling antagonist—grounds the story with layered, believable stakes.
