Monkey Man Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy beats people up to avenge his mom, but also there’s Indian mythology, so it’s like John Wick but with more existential rice-punching.

🍿 Monkey Man: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Origins of the Monkey Man

The film opens in rural India, where a young boy, Kid, is raised by his mother, Neela, on the folklore of Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god. Their peaceful existence is shattered when Baba Shakti, a corrupt guru, and Rana Singh, a brutal police chief, violently seize their land. Neela is murdered, and Kid is left scarred, both physically and emotionally.

Life in Yatana and the Seeds of Revenge

Years later, Kid lives in the city of Yatana, scraping by as a fighter in an underground fight club where he wears a monkey mask and is paid to lose. Fueled by vengeance, he plots against Baba Shakti and Rana Singh, who now reside among the city’s elite. He takes a job at a high-end club called Kings, owned by Queenie Kapoor, where Rana frequents, hoping to get close enough to exact his revenge.

Failed Assassination and Flight

Kid’s initial attempt to assassinate Rana goes awry, leading to a chaotic fight and escape. Wounded and on the run, he finds refuge with a community of transgender individuals (Hijras) led by Alpha. They offer him sanctuary and guide him towards healing and a deeper understanding of his purpose. This section also provides social commentary, highlighting their marginalized status and the discrimination they face.

Training and Preparation

While recovering with the Hijras, Kid undergoes rigorous training, honing his fighting skills and rediscovering his inner strength. He realizes his fight is not just for personal revenge but also for the oppressed and marginalized. This section emphasizes his transformation from a lone avenger to a symbol of resistance.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kid (Dev Patel): A young man seeking vengeance against those who murdered his mother and oppress the poor.
• Rana (Sikandar Kher): The corrupt police chief who enforces Baba Shakti’s will and murdered Kid’s mother.
• Baba Shakti (Makrand Deshpande): A ruthless spiritual guru and political figure who orchestrated the massacre of Kid’s village.
• Neela (Adithi Kalkunte): Kid’s mother, who inspires him with tales of Hanuman and is murdered by Rana.
• Alpha (Vipin Sharma): The keeper of a temple and leader of a hijra community who mentors and trains Kid.
• Queenie (Ashwini Kalsekar): The proprietor of Kings, a luxury brothel, who is aligned with Baba Shakti and Rana.
• Alphonso (Pitobash): A gangster working for Queenie who befriends Kid and helps him gain access to the VIP floor.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Neela: “He is strength, courage, devotion. He is Hanuman.” – Neela tells Kid stories about Hanuman and his virtues.
• Gun salesman: “You like John Wick? These just came in. The TTI. The same gun from the movie, but made in China.” – A comedic line referencing a similar action film.
• Alpha: “The pain is your strength. Use it.” – Alpha tells Kid to use his trauma as motivation.
• Kid: “Now, only God can forgive you.” – Kid says this line prior to the final fight.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $25,116,955
• Worldwide Gross: $35,271,631

💥 Monkey Man Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went in expecting a straight-up action movie, but Monkey Man was so much more! The action was brutal, yes, but the story really grabbed me. I felt for Kid and his quest for revenge. I’m not gonna lie, I teared up during the flashbacks with his mom. And when he finally unleashes his rage? Wow. That whole final fight scene was insane. The cultural touches were cool too. It’s definitely a movie I’ll be thinking about for a while.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of action films with a social message”
  • “Viewers interested in Indian mythology and culture”
  • “Fans of Dev Patel”
  • “Those who enjoy gritty and violent revenge thrillers”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Themes of political corruption and social injustice”
  • “Depiction of violence against marginalized communities”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Patel’s directorial debut is a visceral, thrilling, and stylish revenge saga. Its shaky cam and quick cuts might not be for everyone, but the film’s energy and cultural depth make it a standout action film. Patel proves himself a force to be reckoned with, both in front of and behind the camera.
• The Guardian: “Monkey Man offers a politically charged action spectacle. Dev Patel showcases his talent in fight choreography, even though the story can be generic and suffers from pacing issues. The incorporation of Indian mythology adds a unique flavor, but doesn’t always gel perfectly.
• Empire: “A brutal and stylish actioner with a political edge. Monkey Man is Dev Patel’s confident and exciting debut as a director. The action is kinetic, the themes are engaging, and Patel delivers a compelling performance. A raw and visceral experience.

Audience Reactions

Viewers praised Dev Patel’s performance and direction, noting the movie’s intensity and emotional depth.: Most people agreed that the action sequences were well-choreographed and the story was compelling, although some found the pacing uneven.

Fans loved the cultural elements, including references to Hanuman and the depiction of Indian society.: Many appreciated that it was an action film with something to say about the struggles of the marginalized.

Overall Consensus: Monkey Man is a visceral and stylish action film that delivers brutal action with a socially conscious narrative. It’s not perfect, but Dev Patel’s direction and performance make it a memorable cinematic experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Dev Patel suffered multiple injuries during filming, including a broken hand, two broken toes, a torn shoulder, and an eye infection.”
• “The film draws inspiration from the Hindu deity Hanuman, using his mythology as a backdrop for the story of vengeance and empowerment.”
• “Dev Patel used his own phone and GoPros to get some of the unique shots during fight scenes.”

🖥️ How to Watch Monkey Man?

Monkey Man is currently available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for potential theatrical re-releases. As a Universal Pictures film, it is expected to stream on Peacock in the near future following its theatrical and digital release windows.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Monkey Man, you might like these similar films:

• John Wick (2014): Features a similar revenge-driven plot with stylish and brutal action sequences.
• The Raid: Redemption (2011): Known for its intense, close-quarters combat and relentless action within a confined setting.
• Oldboy (2003): Shares a dark and gritty tone with a focus on vengeance and the protagonist’s relentless pursuit of justice.
• Slumdog Millionaire (2008): Also starring Dev Patel. Displays an Indian setting and a protagonist overcoming adversity.
• Nobody (2021): A seemingly ordinary man with a hidden past unleashes his deadly skills to protect his family, similar to Kid’s journey.

🛒 Monkey Man Related Products

• Monkey Man Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the Monkey Man movie poster. Perfect for fans of Dev Patel or action cinema. Showcase your love for the film with this iconic image.
• Hanuman Action Figure: A detailed and poseable action figure inspired by the legend of Hanuman. A great addition to any collection and a perfect way to connect with the movie’s themes. Display the essence of strength and courage.
• Monkey Man T-Shirt: Officially licensed Monkey Man movie T-shirt featuring the iconic mask design. Show your support for the film and its powerful message. Available in various sizes and colors.
• Dev Patel Movie Collection [Blu-ray]: This box set includes Monkey Man, Slumdog Millionaire, and Lion, showcasing Dev Patel’s incredible range as an actor. A must-have for any Patel fan to experience his best roles in stunning high definition.

🎧 Soundtrack

Monkey Man features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Red Sex” – performed by Sebastian Gainsborough (as Vessel)
• “Monkey Man OST” – performed by Various Artists

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

A Man Wearing A MONKEY MASK Takes Part In Underground Battles And Arranges A BLOODBATH For The Rich

Want to understand ‘Monkey Man’ without sitting through the whole movie again? This recap video breaks down the entire plot in just 16 minutes – perfect for catching up or refreshing your memory before diving deeper into the lore. It’s surprisingly thorough!

✨ Rate