Dev Patel, known for his roles in films like “Slumdog Millionaire,” has made his feature directing debut with the action-packed film “Monkey Man.” The movie, released on Friday, follows Patel’s character, Kid, as he seeks revenge for his mother’s brutalization by taking on corrupt elites in a fictional Indian city.
In a phone interview, Patel shared that he was initially not offered roles with any “ass kickery” or coolness, but “Monkey Man” allowed him to step into the action genre as a leading man. Inspired by the tales of the Hindu god Hanuman, Kid fights against those in power who abuse lower castes, adding a political charge to the story.
Patel joins a growing trend of actors transitioning into action roles, following the success of films like “John Wick” and “Nobody.” Stars like Bob Odenkirk, David Harbour, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Ryan Gosling have all embraced the genre, bringing their unique qualities to the screen.
For Patel, the physical demands of the role required intense training and dedication. He bulked up and practiced martial arts to embody Kid’s fighting style, showcasing a sense of desperation and primal instinct in the performance.
Despite the challenges and injuries he faced during filming, Patel poured his heart and soul into “Monkey Man,” viewing it as a way to explore mythology and revitalize it for modern times. While he may not be looking to pursue more action roles in the future, the experience of making the film was a transformative journey for the actor turned director.
