Dev Patel’s directorial debut, ‘Monkey Man,’ is an action thriller about Kid (played by Dev Patel), who climbs from a disadvantaged fighter in an underground club to a ruthless opponent of corrupt elites. The agony of his mother’s murder drives Kid to penetrate the world of Yatana, India’s wealthiest and most immoral individuals. Along the way, Kid becomes a symbol of hope for the oppressed, seeking justice not only for himself but for others who suffer under unfair institutions that are supported by the privileged.
Inspired by the Hindu deity Hanuman, Kid’s desire for vengeance evolves into a mission to protect and empower the downtrodden, challenging society’s deep-seated injustices. As Kid goes into his rivals’ world, the film transports us from Yatana’s slums to its fashionable nightclubs and towering skyscrapers, with flashbacks to his horrific background in a burning town.
Where was “Monkey Man” Filmed?
‘Monkey Man’ was mostly shot on Batam, a small Indonesian island. The production was based at Infinite Studios on Jl. Hang Lekiu No.2, Sambau, Kecamatan Nongsa. Due to COVID-19 lockdowns in India, the filming location was moved to Batam at the last minute. Upon arrival, the cast and crew were quarantined and worked in a confined atmosphere with little outside contact.
During production, Dev Patel did his own stunts and even fractured his hand in an action sequence with a co-star. Despite his injury, he continued filming after having surgery in Jakarta. The production experienced additional problems, such as a lack of stunt props and damaged camera equipment, requiring the crew to improvise with phone cameras and homemade rigs.
Batam, Indonesia
Batam, an island in the Riau Archipelago near Singapore, is well-known for its strategic role in trade and manufacturing. Infinite Studios in Batam has two huge soundstages and extensive backlots where the sets for ‘Monkey Man’ were built.
Mumbai, India
Mumbai, India’s thriving commercial center, served as the backdrop for exterior scenes in ‘Monkey Man.’ The film depicts Mumbai’s skyline, contrasting skyscrapers with the huge slums of Dharavi, Asia’s largest slum. This contrast emphasizes the extreme disparity between riches and poverty, a topic repeated throughout the film’s narrative.
‘Monkey Man’ not only showcases Dev Patel’s directorial debut but also explores socio-economic disparities through its visually striking portrayal of Mumbai’s urban landscape.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Monkey Man
Q: Where was ‘Monkey Man’ filmed?
A: ‘Monkey Man’ was primarily filmed on Batam, a small island in Indonesia. Some exterior shots were also filmed in Mumbai, India.
Q: When was ‘Monkey Man’ filmed?
A: Principal photography for ‘Monkey Man’ began in July 2020 and concluded by March 2021. The filming took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented significant challenges to the production.
Q: Why was ‘Monkey Man’ filmed in Batam, Indonesia?
A: The filming location was shifted to Batam from India due to COVID-19 lockdowns. Batam provided a controlled environment and suitable facilities at Infinite Studios for the production.
Q: Did Dev Patel face any challenges during filming?
A: Yes, Dev Patel, who also directed the film, faced challenges such as performing his own stunts and sustaining a hand injury during filming. He continued filming after undergoing surgery for his injury.
Q: What is the release date of ‘Monkey Man’?
A: ‘Monkey Man’ was released on April 5, 2024.
