Monkey Man (2024) – Vengeance Wears the Mask of a Beast

In a world that made him a monster, he chose to become a god.

In Monkey Man (2024), Dev Patel makes his bold directorial debut with a gritty, heart-thumping action thriller that blends myth with modern brutality. Set in a corrupt, crime-infested urban India, the film follows a mysterious underground fighter known only as "Kid," who rises from the slums with a singular mission: vengeance. Channeling the fury and symbolism of Hanuman—the monkey god revered for strength and devotion—the film is as much a spiritual awakening as it is a blood-soaked revenge tale.

Kid, masked and nameless, fights in an illegal cage-fighting ring, earning his bruises and reputation in equal measure. But beneath every punch lies a past soaked in trauma—his mother’s death, his childhood stolen, and a system that never gave him a chance. When he discovers that the same powerful forces that shaped his pain are still thriving, his path becomes clear: he must burn the empire down, even if it costs him everything. Patel delivers a deeply personal performance, navigating the line between beast and man.

The film doesn’t shy away from violence, but every blow feels purposeful. The action is raw, visceral, and brilliantly choreographed, reminiscent of Southeast Asian cinema classics like The Raid or Ong-Bak. However, where those leaned into style, Monkey Man carves out an identity with emotional grit. It asks: how far can grief and rage push a man before he becomes something else entirely?

Cinematically, the film is bathed in grime and neon. The underbelly of this unnamed city is a character in itself—brutal, indifferent, and eerily beautiful. The camera lingers on sweat, blood, and eyes filled with fire, immersing the viewer in every moment of chaos and catharsis. Dev Patel’s direction is fearless, showing not just technical skill but an unflinching commitment to telling a story that burns with anger and soul.

But perhaps Monkey Man’s greatest strength lies in its balance of myth and modernity. The echoes of Hanuman aren't just decorative—they're thematic. The protagonist isn't just seeking revenge; he's reclaiming his place in a world that tried to erase him. Through this lens, Monkey Man becomes a parable—one that speaks to anyone who's ever been silenced, crushed, or forgotten.