Dev Patel is stepping into the director’s chair with his first film, Monkey Man, an action-packed revenge saga set for theatrical release by Universal Pictures. Produced by Jordan Peele through his Monkeypaw Productions, the film’s debut trailer was unveiled on Friday, showcasing Patel’s unique vision.
Monkey Man was initially set up at Netflix but caught the attention of Peele, who, after viewing the film, pushed for a theatrical release under Universal’s partnership with Monkeypaw Productions. The film, often compared to the John Wick series, promises an adrenaline-fueled adventure in the backdrop of Mumbai. It teases Patel’s character embarking on a brutal path of retribution, engaging in high-octane shootouts and hand-to-hand combat.
Patel not only directs but also leads the cast as Kid, a character inspired by the Hindu deity Hanuman. Kid’s story revolves around his life in an underground fight club in Mumbai, where he dons a monkey mask and battles against more popular fighters for survival. His journey unfolds as he seeks vengeance against those responsible for his mother’s death and the ongoing exploitation of the vulnerable.
The international ensemble supporting Patel includes Sharlto Copley, Sobhita Dhulipala, Pitobash, Vipin Sharma, Ashwini Kalsekar, Adithi Kalkunte, Sikandar Kher, and Makarand Deshpande. The narrative follows Kid as he confronts his childhood trauma and unleashes a wrathful campaign against the corrupt elite of the city.
The screenplay, based on an original story by Patel, was co-written with Paul Angunawela and John Collee. Initially planned for a Netflix release, the film’s transition to a theatrical debut is facilitated through Universal’s agreement with Monkeypaw Productions.
In addition to Patel and Peele, the production team includes producers Jomon Thomas, Win Rosenfeld, Ian Cooper, Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Christine Haebler, and Anjay Nagpal. Executive producers on the project are Jonathan Fuhrman, Natalya Pavchinskaya, Aaron L. Gilbert, Andria Spring, Alison-Jane Roney, and Steven Thibault.
Monkey Man opens in theatres on 5 April.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing Honkai: Star Rail, cosplaying, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
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