Since 2018, Patel has been hard at work on “Monkey Man.” The actor-turned-director crafted the film’s story and co-wrote the picture alongside Paul Angunawela and John Collee. Having Jordan Peele hop on as producer to give the film a theatrical release — as opposed to a straight-to-streaming release — is a major win for Patel’s directorial debut.
So far, fans love Patel’s gritty and mythical vision of Mumbai: a city of contrasts, corruption, and crime. Peele’s decision to take the film from Netflix seems like a brilliant move for Patel’s career, as it also opens the star to be eligible for awards show consideration and gives the film a fighting chance to find its audience. Sadly, Netflix films are often dropped on the service with little to no ceremony. But based on its blood-pumping action sequences, “Monkey Man” genuinely has what it takes to become a box office success story, similar to this year’s Jason Statham-starring film “Beekeeper.” If action diehard fans show up for it, “Monkey Man” has what it takes to become a bonafide franchise.
But beyond that, it’s great to see an Indian cast truly shine in a big-screen production. “Monkey Man” features heavy hitters like Sobhita Dhulipala, who stars in Prime Video’s “Made in Heaven” — one of the best international offerings from the streamer.
Peele and Patel’s “Monkey Man” hits cinemas on April 5, 2024.
