---
title: "Monkey Man"
year: 2024
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/monkey-man"
fi1m_id: "monkey-man"
imdb_id: "tt9214772"
tmdb_id: 560016
wikidata_id: "Q105952623"
fi1m_score: 72
critics_score: 75
critics_reviews: 13
published: "2026-09-09"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:37:59.568726+00:00"
region: "CZ"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Monkey Man (2024)

Directed by Dev Patel · 2h 02m · MK 15+ · Thriller, Crime, Action

## Identity

Monkey Man

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/monkey-man
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** monkey-man
- **IMDb ID:** tt9214772
- **TMDB ID:** 560016
- **Wikidata ID:** Q105952623
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9214772/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/560016, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105952623

**Fi1m score: 72** · Critics 75 from 13 reviews

*In a sentence:* Dev Patel wants revenge on everyone, including whoever told him he was too nice for this

> Dev Patel’s first film as director is angry, bloody and made with real feeling for the city it invents. The fights land hard; the story around them wanders and repeats itself. Worth your evening if a revenge film is what you are after.

## Synopsis

Kid (Dev Patel) earns his living in an underground fight club in a fictional Indian city, where he pulls on a gorilla mask and is paid to lose, night after night, while the promoter Tiger (Sharlto Copley) works the crowd. He is saving for something. Alphonso (Pitobash) and Queenie (Ashwini Kalsekar) are among the people he encounters in the expensive club where the city’s powerful men come to play. Among them is Rana (Sikandar Kher), a police chief, and behind Rana stands the guru Baba Shakti (Makrand Deshpande). Kid has a reason to want to get close to both of them, and it goes back to his childhood. Sobhita Dhulipala plays Sita, who works at the club.

## Review

Dev Patel has spent most of his career playing decent, anxious young men, and *Monkey Man*, his first film as director, is his answer to that. He wrote the story, shares the screenplay with Paul Angunawela and John Collee, and plays Kid, who spends the first half hour being hit in the face for money. It is a revenge film in the old shape, the wronged son and the men who wronged him, with the legend of Hanuman told over the top. It is good, it is scrappy, and at 122 minutes it is a quarter of an hour too long.

Patel is not built like an action star and does not fight like one. Kid is lean and quick and used to losing, and in the early bouts he is hit far more than he hits, hunched behind the gorilla mask that gives the film its title. He barely speaks. Patel plays him with his eyes and his shoulders, a man who has spent years making himself small so as to get close to the people he means to hurt. When he finally stands up straight, the change is in his posture before it is in his fists.

Sharone Meir shoots handheld, close and low, in the reds and sick greens of neon on wet concrete, and for the first hour the fights are as hard to read as they would be from inside them. That is deliberate. Kid does not know what he is doing yet, and neither does the camera. As he improves the shots get longer and steadier, until by the end you can follow a knife across a room. Four editors are credited, Dávid Jancsó, Kasra Rassoulzadegan, Tim Murrell and Chris Gill, and the cutting is fast, sometimes too fast. We winced more than once, and it was the sound that did it rather than the picture: the cuts land so close on the blows that you hear each one before you have seen it.

Jed Kurzel’s score is a low, ugly throb, and the film’s best musical idea is to set it aside. Zakir Hussain appears as a tabla player, and a long training sequence is cut to his hands, the drum speeding up as Kid’s punches do. Pawas Sawatchaiyamet’s production design gives the city a top and a bottom: the club where the powerful drink is mirror and gold, and the kitchen beneath it is steam and grease. Kid carries trays between the two, and nobody upstairs looks at him.

The supporting cast is broad by design. Sharlto Copley’s Tiger, the fight promoter, bellows at the crowd and enjoys every second. Sikandar Kher’s Rana, the police chief Kid is hunting, is a big, heavy man who hurts people the way other people yawn. Makrand Deshpande gives the guru Baba Shakti a soft voice and a gentle smile. Pitobash, as the fixer Alphonso, supplies most of the jokes. Sobhita Dhulipala’s Sita gets less to do than the film seems to think, and Vipin Sharma’s Alpha arrives in the middle stretch and brings a calm the film badly needs by then.

The flaws are those of a first film that wants to say everything. The script keeps returning to the same childhood memory, Jatin Malik as the young Kid and Adithi Kalkunte as his mother Neela, and each time it stays longer. We had understood by the second visit; by the fifth we were checking our watch. The politics are there, in the guru and in the men who drink upstairs while Kid carries trays, but the script never says what it thinks about any of it, and the film is angrier than it is clear. The stretch between the first fights and the last is the slackest, and that is where the fifteen minutes could go.

Most critics have reached for [*The Raid*](https://film.one/film/the-raid) and *John Wick*, and the comparison is fair as far as the choreography goes. What sets *Monkey Man* apart is that its anger is pointed at a city and the men who run it, even when it cannot find the words. That is more than most revenge films manage, and it is why this one’s failures nag more than they would in something emptier. See it loud, with someone who does not mind knives.

*Fi1m score 72, published 9 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics agree that Dev Patel’s directorial debut is scrappy, loud and worth the bruises. The praise clusters around two things: Patel himself, widely credited with becoming a credible action lead with a fighting style several reviews call graceful, and the hand-to-hand combat, described as grimy, inventive and staged so that the audience feels each blow. The mixing of Indian folklore and local politics into the revenge template is generally welcomed as giving the film something the John Wick comparisons do not cover.

The reservations are consistent too: the script is called muddled, the flashbacks excessive, the second act slow and the political points vaguer than the film seems to think. The spread is narrow, running from enthusiastic to respectfully qualified. The one real dissenter is Variety, which finds the storytelling glum and pretentious and wants more fighting and less brooding; The i Paper also calls it sloppy and overlong.

## Straight answers

**Is Monkey Man worth watching?**

*Monkey Man* is worth watching if a revenge film is what you are after, and we scored it 72. Dev Patel's first film as director is angry, bloody and made with real feeling for the city it invents, and the fights land hard. The story around them wanders and repeats itself, and at 122 minutes it is a quarter of an hour too long.

**How long is Monkey Man, and what is it rated?**

*Monkey Man* runs 2h 02m and is rated 15+ by the MK in Czechia. It is a thriller and crime film.

**Where can I watch Monkey Man in Czechia?**

*Monkey Man* is available to rent from Amazon Prime Video from Kč 49.00. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How violent or frightening is Monkey Man, and is it suitable for children?**

*Monkey Man* is certified 18 in the UK and is not suitable for children. The violence is close, bloody and constant, with knives, beatings and fight-club bouts cut so fast that you hear each blow before you see it, and we winced more than once. It is for adults who do not mind gore; the squeamish should look elsewhere.

**How does Monkey Man compare to The Raid?**

*Monkey Man* has the rougher fights and the bigger ambitions; [*The Raid*](https://film.one/film/the-raid) is the tighter and better-staged film. Gareth Evans's tower-block siege gives its fighting a speed and clarity Patel's handheld, neon-lit brawls only reach in the final stretch. Choose *The Raid* for pure action; choose *Monkey Man* if you want a revenge film with something on its mind, even when it cannot find the words.

**What should I watch after Monkey Man?**

After *Monkey Man*, try [*The Raid*](https://film.one/film/the-raid) (2011, Fi1m 83): Indonesian tower-block siege; the film these fights most want to be when they grow up. Then [*Oldboy*](https://film.one/film/oldboy) (2003, Fi1m 85): Korean revenge with a hammer, a corridor and a far worse conscience; and [*Gangs of Wasseypur*](https://film.one/film/gangs-of-wasseypur-part-1) (2012, Fi1m 83): Five hours of Indian gangland grudge, funnier and dirtier than that sounds.

### Reviews we read (24)

- **Little White Lies**, Kambole Campbell (3/4/3): A ferocious and ambitious directorial debut that is fun if messy, with Patel emerging as a compelling action star in a scrappy revenge tale. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/monkey-man)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Katie Walsh (80/100, inferred): Dev Patel’s directorial debut is a wild revenge movie that asserts him as both an action star and a promising new genre voice. The critic singles out the evolving action sequences that grow slicker with the hero's confidence, along with the integration of Indian folklore and music. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2024-04-04/monkey-man-review-dev-patel-action)
- **Screen Daily** (80/100, inferred): Ferocious directorial debut; Patel as star and director grants an intoxicatingly gruesome vision, a high-octane crowd pleaser. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/monkey-man-sxsw-review/5191486.article)
- **Time Out**, Phil de Semlyen (4/5): Delivers the most ferocious action movie since The Raid; brash and frequently brilliant with political edge and heart, though some sequences tip into overkill. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/monkey-man-2024)
- **Sight and Sound**, Guy Lodge (70/100, inferred): The critic finds it a muddled but enthralling revenge drama with much to admire in its frenzied genre spectacle, praising the bruising fight scenes but noting awkward story threads. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/monkey-man-dev-patel-wreaks-brutal-havoc-muddled-enthralling-revenge-drama)
- **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (70/100, inferred): The critic finds it a solid action thriller with impressive editing and visceral fight scenes but notes it wants to be more than a genre potboiler, with mixed success on political and spiritual elements. The lead actor's presence is somewhat missed amid the stylization. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/movie-review-monkey-man-has-dev-patel-fighting-for-his-life.html)
- **Variety**, Owen Gleiberman (50/100, inferred): Owen Gleiberman calls “Monkey Man” an audacious but awkward mashup of action film and slumdog fable, with blistering fights but a slow-burn tale that feels glum and pretentious. He singles out Patel’s downbeat star performance as superlative while wishing for more action sequences over the somber storytelling. [Read](https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/monkey-man-review-dev-patel-1235939457/)
- **Empire**, Nick de Semlyen: The critic praises Dev Patel's directorial debut as a fresh, high-energy revenge thriller that blends action influences with Indian mythology and politics. They single out the creative, gleeful fight sequences and Patel's transformation into an action star for particular praise, while noting some flaws like excessive flashbacks. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/monkey-man/)
- **Financial Times**, Danny Leigh (★★★★☆): The critic portrays the film as gonzo high-style violent revenge with pauses for thought amid tuk-tuks and fist fights. They single out Patel’s assured handling of organised chaos and the way it makes viewers duck while incorporating Indian social divisions. [Read](https://www.ft.com/content/01db130f-a432-411d-99db-45a9259db6fc)
- **IndieWire**, Katie Rife: The review highlights the film's grimy, ultraviolent mix of action influences with chaotic energy. It singles out the stylized bone-crunching fight scenes for praise in this festival take. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/monkey-man-review-dev-patel-1234963829/)
- **Slant Magazine**, Justin Clark: The review praises the intimate, patient revenge story that treads familiar ground with captivating flair and purpose. It highlights the film's engagement with mythology, sociopolitical critique, and standout action beats involving queer characters. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/monkey-man-review-dev-patel/)
- **The Guardian**, Wendy Ide: The critic describes Patel’s directorial debut as a visceral love letter to global action cinema that is exhilarating if messy. They single out the brawling energy of the fight sequences and the axe-based mayhem for praise while noting some rough edges and vague political elements. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/apr/07/monkey-man-review-dev-patel-directs-and-stars-in-a-bloody-revenge-thriller)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Lovia Gyarkye: The critic calls it an ambitious but uneven revenge thriller that both fascinates and frustrates. Patel's performance and action sequences earn praise, while the screenplay's handling of politics and clichés draws complaint. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/monkey-man-review-dev-patel-1235849364/)
- **The i Paper**, Christina Newland: The critic finds Patel a compelling action star with a dynamic, graceful fighting style but criticizes the film as sloppy and overlong due to first-time director excesses and an unwieldy plot. They single out the dazzling fight sequences and mesmeric central performance for praise amid the chaos. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/monkey-man-review-dev-patel-2990968)
- **The Telegraph**: The critic calls the directorial debut an astonishingly violent, expertly staged John Wick-in-Mumbai slugfest that proves Patel can handle savagely choreographed revenge thrills. They highlight the grisly hand-to-hand combat and folkloric underlay while noting its substance on social issues. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/monkey-man-review-gore-hounds-will-relish-dev-patels-brutal/)
- **The Times**, Kevin Maher (★★★★☆): The critic hails the directorial debut as an audacious action flick that is startling in execution and ambition. They praise the stylised cinematic head-butt quality of the neon-soaked revenge story and its mix of roundhouse kicks with political ideas. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/monkey-man-film-review-an-audacious-action-flick-from-dev-patel-t2zjbhfw2)
- **Total Film**, Jamie Graham: The critic calls Patel's debut a savage triumph, highlighting his versatility as actor, director, and co-writer in an intense revenge story set in a fictional Indian city. They praise the cultural twists on familiar action tropes and the pointed social commentary, while noting the film's relentless intensity. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/monkey-man-review/)
- **Digital Spy**, Mireia Mullor (85/100, inferred): The critic describes the film as an astonishing directorial debut that is brutal, political, and deeply entertaining, praising its stylish action sequences, political awareness, and Patel's performance and vision while noting occasional tacky elements. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a60293802/monkey-man-review/)
- **The Wrap**, Chase Hutchinson (85/100, inferred): The critic calls the film a dynamite directorial debut that exceeds John Wick comparisons through inventive stunts, strong character study of trauma and justice, and effective social commentary, with a standout final act that cements Patel's skills as actor and filmmaker. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/dev-patel-monkey-man-review/)
- **/Film**, Jacob Hall (8/10): The critic praises the film's ambitious blend of visceral action, political themes, and emotional depth in Dev Patel's directorial debut, highlighting its raw, scrappy fight choreography and righteous fury. They note it can feel overstuffed and lacking subtlety at times. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/1537468/monkey-man-review-dev-patel-sxsw/)
- **The Ringer**, Miles Surrey (80/100, inferred): The critic praises Patel's debut as establishing him as both an action star and a promising filmmaker, highlighting the visceral, impactful fight choreography that makes the viewer feel every blow. [Read](https://www.theringer.com/2024/04/05/movies/monkey-man-movie-review-dev-patel-action-star-director)
- **Deadline**, Valerie Complex (75/100, inferred): The critic praises Patel's kinetic direction, tense fight sequences, and deep reverence for Indian folklore, which help establish him as a future of action cinema, while noting some pacing issues in the second act. Overall, it highlights the film's blend of action and social commentary as a promising directorial debut. [Read](https://deadline.com/2024/03/monkey-man-review-dev-patel-1235855973/)
- **The Playlist**, Matthew Monagle (B-): The review commends Patel's passionate, genre-blending debut that incorporates social commentary on inequality and marginalized communities alongside brutal action sequences, though it finds some fights routine and the messaging occasionally preachy. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/monkey-man-review-dev-patels-goes-into-john-wick-revenge-mode-in-mumbai-set-actioner-sxsw-20240312/)
- **Den of Geek**, David Crow (4 out of 5): The critic calls the film a visceral, kinetic blast of adrenaline and an unqualified success as Dev Patel's directorial debut, praising its inventive fight choreography, cultural specificity, and rage-fueled action while noting some narrative thinness. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/monkey-man-review-dev-patel/)

## Details

- **Director:** Dev Patel
- **Director:** Dev Patel
- **Screenplay:** Paul Angunawela, Dev Patel, John Collee
- **Story:** Dev Patel
- **Cinematography:** Sharone Meir
- **Editor:** Chris Gill, Tim Murrell, Kasra Rassoulzadegan, Dávid Jancsó
- **Music:** Jed Kurzel
- **Production design:** Pawas Sawatchaiyamet
- **Producer:** Anjay Nagpal, Erica Lee, Christine Haebler
- **Cast:** Dev Patel as Kid; Sikandar Kher as Rana; Makarand Deshpande as Baba Shakti; Pitobash Tripathy as Alphonso; Vipin Sharma as Alpha; Ashwini Kalsekar as Queenie; Sobhita Dhulipala as Sita; Adithi Kalkunte as Neela
- **Runtime:** 2h 02m
- **Certificate (MK):** 15+
- **Release (Czechia):** 4 April 2024
- **Genres:** Thriller, Crime, Action
- **Budget:** $10 million
- **Box office:** $35 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqa3YTtwvaU

## Where to watch in Czechia

- Amazon Prime Video: rent Kč 49.00, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy Kč 99.00, sd

*Checked 2026-09-10.*

Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DK, EC, ES, FI, FR, GB, HU, IE, IT, JP, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, SE, SG, TH, TR, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *The Raid* (2011), Fi1m 83: Indonesian tower-block siege; the film these fights most want to be when they grow up — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-raid.md)
- *Oldboy* (2003), Fi1m 85: Korean revenge with a hammer, a corridor and a far worse conscience — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/oldboy.md)
- *Lady Snowblood* (1973): Japanese vengeance in the snow, the blood arterial and every frame exactly placed
- *Gangs of Wasseypur* (2012), Fi1m 83: Five hours of Indian gangland grudge, funnier and dirtier than that sounds — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/gangs-of-wasseypur-part-1.md)
- *Get Carter* (1971), Fi1m 86: Michael Caine goes home to Newcastle for a funeral and stays for the reckoning — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/get-carter.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/monkey-man