Universal’s impressive weekend at SXSW continued with the premiere of Monkeypaw’s Dev Patel feature directorial debut, Monkey Man. The film received an enthusiastic response from the audience at the Paramount Theatre, with Dev Patel, the movie’s director, producer, writer, and action star, receiving a standing ovation.
Inspiration Behind Monkey Man
Monkey Man is based on the mythology of Hanuman and is inspired by Dev Patel’s love for Bruce Lee movies, Korean cinema, and the stories his grandfather shared with him as a child. The film follows a young man, portrayed by Patel, seeking vengeance against the corrupt leaders responsible for his mother’s death and the ongoing oppression of the poor and powerless.
A Tale of Strength and Courage
The India-set film draws inspiration from the legend of Hanuman, a symbol of strength and courage. Patel’s character, known as the Kid, struggles to survive in an underground fight club where he faces brutal beatings night after night. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including filming during the Covid-19 pandemic, Patel persevered to bring his vision to life on screen.
Throughout the filming process, Patel encountered various challenges, including losing a crew member to a heart attack, breaking his foot and hand, and filming certain scenes with injuries. Despite these setbacks, he remained committed to delivering a captivating performance, even shooting a kitchen fight scene with only one working hand.
Jordan Peele, who introduced Patel at the premiere, praised the film’s quality, prompting Universal to acquire the rights from Netflix for a theatrical release on April 5th. While initially reported that Netflix had purchased the movie for $30 million, Peele’s endorsement led to a change in plans to showcase the film on the big screen.
Exciting Times for Universal
Universal Studios had a successful run at SXSW, with the premiere of Monkey Man following the box office success of Kung Fu Panda 4. The studio also has another highly anticipated premiere, Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, scheduled for the following night. Universal’s commitment to showcasing diverse and engaging films continues to resonate with audiences.
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