"Monkey Man," an intense, violent, and bloody action film, is the feature directorial debut of actor-writer Dev Patel. Set amidst the gritty reality of Indian street culture, the film explores a world of organized crime and a citizenry oppressed by those in power.

 Patel stars as Kid, a young man living in poverty who is consumed by the desire for revenge against those responsible for his mother’s death. In the world of amateur mixed martial arts, Kid, a fighter, stands out for his unique choice of attire: a gorilla mask. This unusual garb serves as a means to an end, as Kid uses the physical pain he endures from his skilled opponents as a form of therapy to heal his emotional wounds.

 Part of Kid's journey involves securing a job in an upscale setting, where he can mingle with the town's influential figures. He patiently works his way up the ranks, starting at a fine dining restaurant and eventually reaching the VIP area of an associated club. His ultimate goal is to confront Rana (Sikandar Kher), a corrupt police official responsible for forcibly evicting farmers and families from their land on behalf of a shady religious figure known as Baba Shakti.

 One such incident resulted in the tragic death of Kid's mother, leaving him consumed by rage and determined to seek revenge.

 In the film "Monkey Man," director Patel, along with co-writers Paul Angunawela and John Collee, drew inspiration from the tale of Hanuman, a Hindu deity representing "wisdom, strength, courage, devotion, and self-discipline." However, at the beginning of the film, the protagonist, Kid, does not embody these characteristics. Instead, Kid embarks on a journey seeking revenge, but he does not let anger consume him entirely.

 It is hard not to notice the luxury that the privileged class, including the police and religious leaders, indulge in, while slums, poverty, and a marginalized subclass struggle in the shadows of the city's skyline. The script comments on the struggles of the upper class with sharp criticism and uses this to explain Kid's violent outburst—following a spiritual realization, of course.

"Monkey Man," is an action movie at its core, also contains elements of morality. Patel demonstrates his ability behind the camera, although his directing style, which aims to immerse the viewer in the moment, can sometimes be overwhelming. Especially in the more chaotic fight scenes, this approach may be polarizing for some viewers. He also does a good job of delving into his Indian Culture and filling the cast of that culture giving mainstream exposure to many that have established careers in Bollywood. 

In the movie "Monkey Man," there are detailed and extensive action scenes, but the amount of dialogue is limited. The main character, Kid, doesn't talk much and instead chooses to communicate through his actions. It is worth mentioning that Jordan Peele recognized the potential in Monkey Man and brought it to Universal, who eventually purchased the project. Ultimately, "Monkey Man" delivers what action movie fans crave: exciting and intense action scenes. However, for those seeking a more substantial and nuanced film, this movie may not offer much novelty, as it follows familiar action movie tropes. Monkey Man also proves what has been repeatedly stated, which is Audiences don’t mind old formulas; they are tired of the same players cooking up the recipes. Dev Patel also proved that he’s capable of so much more than playing a handsome man in angst and ultimately that is Monkey Man’s biggest flex. 

Monkey Man is playing in theaters everywhere