Director: Dev Patel
Starring: Dev Patel, Sikandar Kher, Makrand Deshpande, Shobhita Dhulipala
Rating:3/5
Who would have thought that the lanky guy from the Slumdog Millionaire would one day resurrect himself as the kickass John Wick of today. Monkey Man is truly a rare action film our times.
When names like Dev Patel, who has always been interesting, is attached to a project and above all, the project is endorsed by a man of stunning caliber like Jordan Peele, and the trailer looks the way it did, you have got to be excited. And Monkey Man in most parts, delivers what it promises.
What works is that the film is not just an empty actioner. Patel is able to add certain depth to the proceedings which makes the film more intriguing. Be it the mythology that is set up at the beginning of the film or the effortless way Patel is able to critique on the class divide, it adds an interesting layer to the film. Much like his previous works like Slumdog Millionaire and Lion, there is an exploration of a seedy underbelly, and the world is expertly created.
As far as the plot goes, it’s wafer-thin. Maybe a novelty for international viewers, but as an avid Indian cinema lover, these plots come by dime a dozen. Revenge for death of a parent, corrupt cops and politicians, underground fighting dens, all this have been done in Indian cinema from donkey’s years.
What Patel lacks in the plot more than makes up for with his visual storytelling. It is not the plot or the screenplay that keeps you interested, but the way Patel is able to make each and every shot captivating and visually stunning. Be it the elaborate action sequences or a simple shot of the protagonist sharing a floor to sleep with tens of other men, each shot is meticulously designed and adds so much to the film.
The first act goes by in a jiffy. But towards the end of the second act and before the climax rolls in, there is a long lull which does not lend to a film of this genre. This is also when the film tries to change gears and attempts to make a political commentary, a brave choice for an action film, but it comes out as extremely superficial and uninteresting. Patel for the first time seems to have bitten off more than he can chew, and seems to lose his grip. You start to get impatient and the wait for the climax seems never ending. But the climax more than makes up for it. The climax is definitely the best part of the film and is shot with such élan that you forgive the film for all its previous misgivings.
Undoubtedly, the action sequences are the highlight. They are high on energy and despite choppy editing in some sequences, deliver throughout the film and keep the adrenaline rush high. The background score lends beautifully and gives the film so much of its style.
The film is a one man show and Dev Patel the actor, too, does not disappoint. He is surprisingly good in the action sequences and remains a strong performer that he always has been. The remaining casting choices are inspired and fit perfectly. Especially, Sikander Kher and Makrand Deshpande stand out.
Overall, Monkey Man is an imperfect but valiant debut effort and must be commended for its honest effort. You’ve got to be excited for what more Dev Patel has to offer.-Siddharth Akhouri
Also published on Medium.
