‘Monkey Man’: violence on celluloid has never looked more poetic

Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire) directs, co-writes and stars in Monkey Man, a passion project inspired by childhood stories told by his Indian grandfather. The film took 10 years to secure funding, and was ultimately produced by Jordan Peele.

Patel’s debut into filmmaking is an interesting hybrid of action film, fantasy thriller and Bollywood, and features uber-violent gangster-style fighting, Indian mysticism and much folklore.

For a first-timer in directing, Patel’s work is impeccable and stands out amid the hordes of Hollywood action films we’ve already seen. Fight scenes are so cleverly orchestrated, they end up looking like a cross between the kick-ass violence of John Wick and Hong Kong martial arts.

The start is overladen with exposition but once the narrative settles, be prepared for an action-packed enthralling ride, with a soundtrack that is carefully composed.

Patel’s lead character is introduced as a kid who survives childhood trauma shaping his adult anguish and dogged determination for vengeance. His pain fuels his journey to avenge a past wrong enacted by a powerful corrupt businessman who runs a crime ring of drug dealing and prostitution.

Patel doesn’t look the other way from India’s grim societal issues, with class discrimination acting as a backdrop for the juxtaposition of pursuit of justice vs lurid greed and patriarchal misogyny.

What gives Monkey Man a worthy edge when you compare it to similar features in the action genre is the transformative depth of arc of the lead character and audience empathy for such a flawed anti-hero, set amidst a visceral layer of Indian mythology and an unforgiving caste system.

Dev Patel delivers a mature and commanding performance not only as a lead actor but also as an inspired film auteur whose star is definitely on the rise.

Annette McCubbin

‘Monkey Man’ is in cinemas now.