In a recent interview, actor-director Dev Patel discussed the mythological influences behind his upcoming action film, “Monkey Man.” Patel revealed that ancient Hindu lore, particularly the tales of the deity Hanuman, significantly shaped the narrative and themes of the movie.
During an appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” Patel shared how his father’s necklace, featuring a monkey holding a mountain, ignited his curiosity about Hanuman’s significance. He described Hanuman as a symbol of nobility, strength, and courage, comparing him to Superman for his iconic feats and transformative journey.
Patel highlighted Hanuman’s character arc of losing faith in himself and needing to rediscover his courage, drawing parallels with the storyline of “Monkey Man’s” protagonist, Kid. The film follows Kid’s journey through an underground fight club, where he confronts his past and seeks revenge, mirroring Hanuman’s quest for self-realization.
Reflecting on his directorial debut, Patel expressed his enthusiasm for crafting an underdog action film that defies stereotypes. He emphasized Kid’s struggle as a performing monkey in the fight club, facing ridicule and adversity while striving for redemption. Despite the challenges “Monkey Man” faced during production, including filming on GoPros and relocating due to COVID-19, Patel remained committed to bringing the story to life. The film’s distribution journey, from Netflix to a theatrical release with the support of producer Jordan Peele, further amplified anticipation for its premiere.
Looking ahead, Patel teased his involvement in upcoming projects like the horror film “Rabbit Trap” and action-thrillers “Civil War” and “The Fall Guy.” With “Monkey Man” set to hit theaters on April 5, audiences can anticipate an action-packed adventure infused with mythological inspiration and personal storytelling.
In addition, Patel opened up about Bollywood actors and films that have inspired him, mentioning, “Anything Shah Rukh Khan does…”
