Cast: Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley, Pitobash, Vipin Sharma, Sikandar Kher, Adithi Kalkunte, Sobhita Dhulipala, Ashwini Kalsekar, Makarand Deshpande Jatin Malik and Zakir Hussain
Genre: Action, Thriller
Director: Dev Patel
In Cinemas: 5th April 2024
In a cinematic landscape riddled with tales of vengeance and redemption, “Monkey Man” emerges as a promising addition, promising an exhilarating journey through the underbelly of society. Yet, despite the pedigree of its director, Oscar® nominee Dev Patel, this film falls short of its lofty ambitions, ultimately leaving audiences yearning for more substance and coherence. Patel’s directorial debut is undoubtedly ambitious, drawing inspiration from the legend of Hanuman to craft a narrative of resilience and retribution.
As the enigmatic lead character, Kid, Patel delivers a commendable performance, capturing a man’s simmering rage and desperation driven to the brink by injustice. However, his directorial prowess needs to improve in translating this raw emotion into a cohesive and compelling story. One of the glaring flaws of “Monkey Man” lies in its tendency to meander aimlessly, repeating beats and motifs to the point of tedium. The film’s pacing is uneven, with prolonged periods of exposition punctuated by sporadic bursts of action.
This repetitive structure undermines the narrative momentum and detracts from Kid’s journey’s emotional impact. Moreover, while the promise of thrilling fight and chase scenes looms, the execution leaves much to be desired. The film takes an agonisingly long time to build up to these moments, squandering precious screen time on peripheral subplots and character dynamics that ultimately amount to little.
When the action finally does arrive, it lacks the visceral intensity and choreographic finesse to captivate audiences truly. Beyond its pacing issues, “Monkey Man” struggles to engage viewers on a deeper level. The characters feel underdeveloped and thinly sketched, failing to elicit genuine empathy or investment. Kid’s quest for vengeance, while ostensibly noble, lacks the emotional resonance necessary to resonate with audiences on a visceral level.
As a result, the film feels hollow and superficial, trading substance for style. Perhaps most damningly, “Monkey Man” suffers from an overwhelming sense of inertia, dragging on far longer than necessary. Scenes linger interminably, testing the patience of even the most ardent viewers. What should have been a lean and propulsive action thriller instead devolves into a tedious slog, overstaying its welcome at every turn. While “Monkey Man” may boast the talent of its director and star, it ultimately fails to deliver on its promise. Hindered by repetitive storytelling, sluggish pacing, and a lack of creative depth, the film needs to work on leaving a lasting impression. Despite moments of fleeting excitement, this cinematic journey ultimately feels more like a chore than a thrill.
Overall: 5.5/10
Movie Reviewer
