The action, while extremely violent in its nature is almost subtle in the way it is presented. The blood flows but the closely shot action scenes keep the energy high and confronting visuals somewhat discrete. There is very little gun play and the confrontations remain mostly in the hand-to-hand combat and knife play arena.

The story of revenge runs parallel with an examination of the plight of the poor and disenfranchised in India and the folklore surrounding Hanuman. This ape or monkey-like deity in Hinduism is considered immortal and is celebrated for his wisdom, strength, courage, and self-discipline. Patel’s character Kid shares most of these traits and virtues.

Patel has delivered a film crackling with energy and violence. This film feels like the Indian version of the John Wick saga, with our hero every bit the lethal weapon that is Wick. It does however have its own feel and sense of pace and visual presentation. This is a strong first film from Dev and makes one look towards his future with eager anticipation.
Rob Hudson
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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.

Packed with thrilling and spectacular fight and chase scenes, Monkey Man is directed by Dev Patel from his original story and his screenplay with Paul Angunawela and John Collee (Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World).

The film’s international cast includes Sharlto Copley (District 9), Sobhita Dhulipala (Made in Heaven), Pitobash (Million Dollar Arm), Vipin Sharma (Hotel Mumbai), Ashwini Kalsekar (Ek Tha Hero), Adithi Kalkunte (Hotel Mumbai), Sikandar Kher (Aarya) and Makarand Deshpande (RRR).

Monkey Man is produced by Dev Patel, Jomon Thomas (Hotel Mumbai, The Man Who Knew Infinity), Oscar® winner Jordan Peele (Nope, Get Out), Win Rosenfeld (Candyman, Hunters series), Ian Cooper (Nope, Us), Basil Iwanyk (John Wick franchise, Sicario films), Erica Lee (John Wick franchise, Silent Night), Christine Haebler (Shut In, Bones of Crows) and Anjay Nagpal (executive producer of Bombshell, Greyhound).

Serving as executive producers are Jonathan Fuhrman, Natalya Pavchinskya, Aaron L. Gilbert, Andria Spring, Alison-Jane Roney and Steven Thibault.

Universal Pictures presents a Bron Studios production, a Thunder Road film, a Monkeypaw production, a Minor Realm/S’Ya Concept production, in association with WME Independent and Creative Wealth Media.
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