It feels like hardcore revenge cinema is making a comeback, but I doubt anyone would’ve pegged Dev Patel as someone to be behind it. His directorial debut, Monkey Man, looks like a brutal action flick with stylish flourishes that draw comparisons to John Wick and James Bond. That’s a tough combo to pull off, but you know who believes Patel has done it? Jordan Peele, whose Monkey Paw production banner has boarded the film, announced in today’s brand new trailer.
Directed by Patel, who also co-wrote the script, produced the film, and starred in it, Monkey Man follows Kid, an ex-felon in India as he seeks vengeance against the sinister elite who attacked his family and continues to erode society’s values.
A striking image finds Kid battling in an underground fight club while wearing a gorilla mask. Badass. I can’t wait for this!
The film also stars Sharlto Copley of District 9 fame, plus Indian actors Pitobash, Vipin Sharma, Sikandar Kher, Sobhita Dhulipala, Makarand Deshpande, and Ashwini Kalsekar.
Here’s the synopsis: Dev Patel achieves an astonishing, tour-de-force feature directing debut with an action thriller about one man’s quest for vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systemically victimize the poor and powerless. 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 hits theaters on April 5th.
