Dev Patel clearly knew that people would compare “Monkey Man” to “John Wick,” and it would be impossible to avoid.
Thus, “Monkey Man,” his violent story about a young man determined to seek revenge, which was influenced by Korean action films, smartly mentions the popular action movie featuring Keanu Reeves, known for its sequels and spin-off series.
In fact, there’s even a cute dog. (Don’t worry. It survives.)
Patel makes an exceptional debut as a director with “Monkey Man,” a film in which he also acts, produces, and co-writes. He is also the sole credit for the story.
“Monkey Man” resembles “Wick” to some extent, especially in its gory, sometimes shocking final act. While not entirely based on real life, this film is more grounded than the “Wick” universe.
Additionally, being set in modernized India — Batam, Indonesia, was used as the location for an Indian city during filming — and the incorporation of the Hindu deity Hanuman make “Monkey Man” more culturally intriguing.
We first meet Kid, Patel’s character, as a boy, being told stories of Hanuman by his loving mother, Neela (Adithi Kalkunte). We then move to the present, where Kid — wearing a monkey mask as a tribute to Hanuman — competes in an underground fight club run by the sleazy Tiger (played by the always enjoyable Sharlto Copley) to make ends meet. At this point, Kid is a skilled enough fighter to put on a good performance before intentionally losing for extra money. (There’s even a “bleed bonus.”)
Kid desires a different role, any job at King’s Club, an upscale brothel. He gets his wish after a carefully planned encounter with the ruthless, chain-smoking woman who runs it, Queenie (Ashwini Kalsekar). To carry out his secret plan, he must get promoted and gain access to the VIP areas, so he befriends the assistant Alphonso (played with consistent entertainment by Pitobash) and soon starts serving drinks to influential men.
And, oh boy, Kid does not tolerate when those men touch the women who work at the club — especially the beautiful Sita (Sobhita Dhulipala).
Nevertheless, he focuses on the main goal: the corrupt police officer Rana (Sikandar Kher). (The reason for Kid’s desire for revenge against this man will be revealed, along with the origin of the scars on our hero’s hands.)
When Kid confronts Rana — in a bathroom with a large aquarium — he encounters more resistance than he had expected and must flee for his life.
Up to this point, Patel demonstrates confident and skilled direction, and “Monkey Man” features the kind of unusual camera angles and fast cuts — thanks to director of photography Sharone Meir and editor David Jancso, respectively — that could quickly become tiring if not handled so skillfully.
Overall, this initial act is truly impressive.
In the second part, Patel over-corrects, providing the audience with a much-needed pause from the action — especially considering what is to come — as Kid heals among a group of people led by the wise Alpha (Vipin Sharma). However, it's a bit too dull — at least until the recovered Kid starts the necessary training for the upcoming fight and is accompanied by an enthusiastic percussionist. (We believe that what we're referring to as “bongo boxing” could become popular.)
The final part of “Monkey Man” provides the high number of deaths that we had been anticipating. Although many of the short sequences are impressive (and disturbing), “Monkey Man” becomes somewhat overpowering in a way similar action movies can.
In front of the camera, Patel is a captivating protagonist, which is not surprising considering his previous films such as “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008), “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (2011) or “Lion” (2016). However, Kid is very different from the gentle characters he portrayed in those films. He is determined to inflict pain and suffering on those he believes deserve it, and Patel convincingly portrays this, down to the added muscle at some point.
Originally, “Monkey Man” was intended for a streaming platform, before capturing the attention of Monkeypaw Productions, the company founded by filmmaker Jordan Peele (“Get Out,” “Nope”), and moving to a theatrical release. This is a film suitable for a big screen.
And due to its strengths, it deserves a sequel. However, there's something special about this one, and we wouldn't mind if it doesn't lead to, for example, three more movies and a TV series.
‘Monkey Man’
Where: Theaters.
When: April 5.
Rated: R for intense bloody violence throughout, language throughout, sexual content/nudity and drug use.
Runtime: 2 hours, 2 minutes.
Stars (of four): 3.
