by Jeremy Kazieva,
An Indie meets Karate Kid meets John Wick-style movie where the ‘Monkey Man’ must reconnect with his struggling childhood, grow, and hunt down the man who destroyed his hometown village. His kills are just as brutal as John Wick’s, except way more gory. His childhood trauma is what makes him so resilient in his pursuit no matter how many bullets or punches he goes through. There are some dull and weird moments, but the music and action sequences make up for it.
Monkey Man lacks any trace of ego. Dev Patel has invested his entire being into this movie, which faced challenges at every turn during production. Hindered by broken bones, infections, torn muscles, closed borders, lost financing, and the global shutdown, the film could have easily come to a halt. However, through sheer determination, and with assistance from Jordan Peele, the movie was completed and stands as a remarkable achievement.
In terms of storyline, the film follows a classic revenge narrative set within the framework of a superhero movie. It centers on a young man embarking on a quest for vengeance against those accountable for his mother’s murder. While this premise may seem familiar to Hollywood audiences, what truly captivates viewers is the protagonist’s journey filled with trials and setbacks. Despite his intelligence, he finds himself ill-prepared for the challenges he confronts. His path
to redemption is a blend of mental, physical, and spiritual growth, albeit slightly drawn out. However, the subsequent events are a spectacle of pure action, particularly the climactic final act—a relentless ascent up a symbolic tower of retribution, marked by bone-crunching intensity and visceral bloodshed.
The movie’s production value is what truly sets it apart, elevating it to a spectacular level. The locations are stunning and almost take on a character of their own, feeling authentic and lived-in—a rarity in an age dominated by green screens. One notable quality is the gritty and grimy aesthetic, enhanced by the lighting and set design, which gives everything a palpable sense of realism, almost to the point of needing a tetanus shot just from looking at it. This atmosphere starkly contrasts with the protagonist’s ascent from poverty to privilege, culminating in a heavenly atmosphere. The sets and locations effectively underscore the socioeconomic disparity in India, further enriching the film’s thematic depth.
While the setting is captivating in its beauty and grime, it’s the intense fight scenes that linger in the audience’s minds. These sequences are unapologetically brutal, featuring bloodied faces, broken bones, and vicious throat slashes—not suitable for younger viewers. Yet, this violence serves a purpose, driving home the film’s message with relentless force. The entire movie revolves around showcasing Patel’s martial arts skills, which are as impressive as his acting ability. It’s highly likely that the action sequences in “Monkey Man” will be discussed in the same breath as those in “John Wick” and “The Raid: Redemption.”
“Monkey Man” shares similarities with other martial arts films in some aspects, but also distinguishes itself in others. While its storyline follows a classic revenge narrative and incorporates familiar elements from action and superhero genres, it introduces a unique dynamic with its strong Bollywood influence and emphasis on character development and emotion. Unlike some martial arts films that may prioritize action over acting, this movie seeks to strike a balance, allowing the main character to maintain depth without falling into the stereotype of the stoic, silent type. Dev Patel’s multifaceted talents shine through in his portrayal, establishing “Monkey Man” as an action classic and solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor, director, martial artist, and true star.