Dev Patel made a roaring return to the screen with his directorial debut, “Monkey Man,” premiered at SXSW, where he showcased not only shirt-ripping action but also a thrilling display of Hollywood heartthrob vibes. The audience went wild as Patel ripped his shirt open, creating a standout moment amid the intense action scenes that included biting a guy’s face off, using a serving platter as a lethal weapon, and delivering a knife through an adversary’s throat using his mouth.
The premiere at SXSW marked Patel’s first onscreen appearance since 2021’s “The Green Knight,” adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding his directorial venture. Addressing the audience during the introduction, Patel humorously acknowledged the speculations about his absence, stating, “I was reading all these things on the internet like, ‘Where are they now? What’s happened to him?’”
“Monkey Man,” scheduled for theatrical release on April 5, draws inspiration from high-adrenaline films like Keanu Reeves’ “John Wick.” However, Patel’s directorial debut adds a political dimension, making it a gripping and politically minded action thriller. The film engages with themes beyond typical action fare, creating a unique and compelling viewing experience for audiences.
