Monkey Man
Movie Trailer:
Release Date:
April 5, 2024
Genre:
Action, Thriller, Crime
Cast & Crew:
- Dev Patel as Raghav
- Sharlto Copley as Charlie
- Sobhita Dhulipala as Priya
- Sikandar Kher as Inspector Deshmukh
- Amyra Dastur as Tara
- Akshay Oberoi as Vikram
- Harish Khanna as Guruji
- Adeel Akhtar as Yash
Director:
Dev Patel
Other Movies Director is Known For:
- Directorial debut (as director)
Producer:
- Dev Patel
- Basil Iwanyk
- Erica Lee
- Samarth Sahni
Writer:
- Dev Patel
- Paul Angunawela
- John Collee
Budget:
Estimated $25 million
Production Company:
Bron Studios, Thunder Road Films, Seven Stories
Running Time:
2h 1m
Languages:
English, Hindi
Maturity Rating:
R
Content Advisory:
- Strong violence
- Language
- Mature themes
- Drug use
Movie Story:
Monkey Man (2024) is an action-packed thriller that marks the directorial debut of Dev Patel, who also stars in the lead role. The film tells the story of Raghav (Dev Patel), a man recently released from prison who finds himself thrust into a world of corruption, revenge, and redemption in modern-day India.
Raghav, once a respected man in his community, has spent years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. Upon his release, he returns to a society that has drastically changed—one dominated by greed, exploitation, and power struggles. With nothing left to lose, Raghav embarks on a mission to take down the corrupt elites who wronged him, using his unique skills and a relentless drive for justice.
As Raghav delves deeper into the criminal underworld, he uncovers a dangerous conspiracy that threatens not only his life but also the lives of those he cares about. Along the way, he is joined by Priya (Sobhita Dhulipala), a journalist determined to expose the truth, and Charlie (Sharlto Copley), a mysterious and morally ambiguous figure with his own hidden agenda. Together, they form an unlikely alliance to bring down the powerful forces that are tearing society apart.
The narrative is filled with intense action sequences, including high-octane chases, brutal hand-to-hand combat, and thrilling shootouts, all set against the backdrop of a vibrant yet corrupt city. Raghav’s journey is one of self-discovery and redemption as he confronts his past, battles his inner demons, and takes on the role of an avenging force—dubbed the “Monkey Man” by the media and public.
The film explores themes of justice, corruption, and the struggle for power, all while delivering a fast-paced and gritty action thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Raghav’s transformation from a broken man to a vigilante hero is central to the story, as he reclaims his identity and fights for those who cannot fight for themselves.
Special Effects:
Monkey Man features impressive action choreography and practical effects that give the film a grounded and visceral feel. The fight scenes are meticulously staged, with Dev Patel performing many of his own stunts, showcasing his physicality and dedication to the role. The film also employs selective CGI to enhance certain action sequences and create the intense atmosphere of the urban landscapes, blending seamlessly with the practical effects to deliver a visually engaging experience.
Box Office Performance:
As Dev Patel’s directorial debut and with his strong global fan base, Monkey Man is expected to generate significant interest at the box office. The film’s unique blend of action, social commentary, and intense drama, combined with Patel’s star power, positions it as a potential sleeper hit, particularly in international markets.
Filming Locations:
- Mumbai, India
- Goa, India
- London, England
- Bangkok, Thailand
Notable Quotes:
- “In a city full of corruption, justice is just another word for revenge.” – Raghav
- “You want the truth? You’ll have to fight for it.” – Priya
- “Sometimes, to take down the monsters, you have to become one.” – Charlie
- “They call him the Monkey Man, but he’s just a man who won’t let go of his rage.” – Inspector Deshmukh
Behind-the-Scenes:
Monkey Man represents a significant milestone in Dev Patel’s career as he steps behind the camera for the first time. The production involved extensive location shooting in India, capturing the chaotic energy and vibrancy of the country’s cities. Patel was deeply involved in all aspects of the film, from writing and directing to performing his own stunts. The film’s action sequences were choreographed by top stunt coordinators, ensuring that the combat scenes were both realistic and adrenaline-pumping.
Final Verdict:
Monkey Man (2024) is a gripping and intense action-thriller that introduces audiences to a new kind of hero in the form of Raghav, a man driven by vengeance and redemption. Dev Patel’s directorial debut is both a bold and assured film, blending high-octane action with a compelling story that explores the darker sides of society. It’s a must-watch for fans of gritty thrillers and anyone interested in seeing a fresh and dynamic take on the vigilante genre.
IMDb Rating:
6.9
Image Source: Universal Pictures