Dev Patel talks ‘Monkey Man,’ directorial debut and honoring his roots

Dev Patel opens up about his directorial debut Monkey Man, a film blending action with powerful social themes.

Dev Patel, widely recognized for his breakout role in Slumdog Millionaire, steps behind the camera for his directorial debut, Monkey Man. Patel’s ambitious project, ten years in the making, is an action-packed film about an underground fighter in rural India seeking revenge, a role Patel took on himself. Originally intended for release on Netflix, Monkey Man eventually found distribution under Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions and Universal.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Patel described the intense experience of producing, directing, and starring in Monkey Man, a project inspired by his love for Bruce Lee and his desire to create a film for "young Dev." Set against a backdrop of complex political and religious themes, Monkey Man portrays the story of a man confronting systemic corruption. Patel faced numerous challenges, including relocating production from India to Indonesia due to COVID restrictions, while also managing on-set injuries.

Influenced by directors like Danny Boyle and David Lowery, Patel aimed to weave diverse, authentic narratives into Monkey Man, showcasing underrepresented talent from India. Reflecting on the film's journey, he noted, “It’s an anthem for underdogs,” honoring those with limited representation in Hollywood. Patel’s dedication to inclusivity and creative risk makes Monkey Man a must-watch, especially for audiences who enjoy socially charged, high-energy cinema.