In a heartfelt moment at the South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival, actor Dev Patel found himself moved to tears as his directorial debut, “Monkey Man,” garnered a standing ovation.
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The highly anticipated film, set in India and written by the acclaimed “Slumdog Millionaire” and “Lion” star, made its world premiere at the prestigious festival held annually in Austin, Texas.
Introducing the film to the audience was none other than filmmaker Jordan Peele, who serves as a producer on the project.
“Monkey Man,” inspired by the legend of Lord Hanuman, unfolds in Mumbai and follows Patel’s character, Kid, on a quest for justice against corrupt leaders responsible for his mother’s death and the continued oppression of the impoverished.
Following the screening, Patel took the stage, greeted by thunderous applause and cheers from the audience. Overwhelmed by the reception, the actor couldn’t contain his emotions.
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Expressing his deep connection to the action genre, Patel shared how his grandfather introduced him to the story of Lord Hanuman from the Hindu epic Ramayan.
He described Hanuman as an emblem for his family, resonating deeply with Indian culture’s iconography of strength and resilience.
“I wish the world knew about it,” Patel remarked, reflecting on Hanuman’s symbolism akin to that of Superman.
For Patel, grounding the story was essential. He aimed to delve into Hanuman’s journey, portraying him as a character who rediscovers his inner strength and identity.
Drawing inspiration from his admiration for Bruce Lee movies, Patel sought to explore themes of caste system and societal hierarchy in India. He highlighted the plight of the poor, juxtaposed against the corruption within religion and authority.
“Monkey Man,” produced by a stellar lineup including Patel himself, Peele, and others, is slated for theatrical release on April 5, 2024. With its poignant storytelling and Patel’s directorial vision, the film promises to captivate audiences worldwide.
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