One small ember can burn down everything. Wondering what Oscar-nominated actor Dev Patel’s (“Lion,” “Slumdog Millionaire”) new action thriller, his directorial debut, “Monkey Man” is all about? Well, we finally have our answers. For one, Jordan Peele and his Monkey Paw production shingle have suddenly announced they have come onboard the film just as Universal announced the new trailer today. And that’ll undoubtedly boost its profile.
Due in theaters April 5 via Universal Pictures, the film stars Patel and Sharlto Copley, known for “Chappie” and “District 9.” The film centers on a recently released ex-felon living in India who struggles to adjust to a world of corporate greed and eroding spiritual values.
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The film’s international cast includes Sobhita Dhulipala (“Made in Heaven”), Pitobash (“Million Dollar Arm”), Vipin Sharma (“Hotel Mumbai”), Ashwini Kalsekar (“Ek Tha Hero”), Adithi Kalkunte (“Hotel Mumbai”), Sikandar Kher (“Aarya”) and Makarand Deshpande (“RRR”).
Monkey Man is produced by Dev Patel, Jomon Thomas (Hotel Mumbai, The Man Who Knew Infinity), Oscar winner Jordan Peele (Nope, Get Out), Win Rosenfeld (Candyman, Hunters series), Ian Cooper (Nope, Us), Basil Iwanyk (John Wick franchise, Sicario films), Erica Lee (John Wick franchise, Silent Night), Christine Haebler (Shut In, Bones of Crows) and Anjay Nagpal (executive producer of Bombshell, Greyhound).
Here’s the official synopsis:
Dev Patel achieves an astonishing, tour-de-force feature directing debut with an action thriller about one man’s quest for vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systemically victimize the poor and powerless. Inspired by the legend of Hanuman, an icon embodying strength and courage, Monkey Man stars Patel as Kid, an anonymous young man who ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club where, night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he is beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash. After years of suppressed rage, Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city’s sinister elite. As his childhood trauma boils over, his mysteriously scarred hands unleash an explosive campaign of retribution to settle the score with the men who took everything from him. Packed with thrilling and spectacular fight and chase scenes.
“Monkey Man” is directed by Dev Patel from his original story and his screenplay with Paul Angunawela and John Collee (“Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World”). “Monkey Man” is due April 5. Watch the new trailer below.
