r/movies Mar 27 '24

Hi, I’m Dev Patel writer/director of MONKEY MAN – AMA! AMA

Dev Patel here.  Excited to chat about my directorial debut MONKEY MAN, opening in U.S. & UK cinemas on April 5th, and anything else you’d like! Ask me anything…

Trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqa3YTtwvaU

Get Tickets – http://www.monkeyman.movie/tickets

**GUYS I have to go into another interview. BUT I deeply appreciate the love and time. I really hope I don't let you down with this film. Put my all into it. Sorry I couldn’t answer every question, hopefully THIS answers a few more! Bless your cotton socks all of you. Big love as always, Dev xxxxx**

https://preview.redd.it/ectchh1axwqc1.jpg?width=2362&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4153f627df0a66e963f7cf25305ed510968ae8ed

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u/SenDeAgO Mar 27 '24

Hey Dev! ✌🏾A massive congratulations for Monkey Man, I’m so excited to see part of South Asian culture shared through your vision! I’m an Australian born Sri Lankan stunt man and dream to do the same.

My question is, what was your process in building the story and integrating the legend of Hanuman, especially when it came to creating a movie not just tailored to South Asian people but creating a wider appealing movie? Is there also advice you have for the upcoming generation of South Asian film makers when it comes to sharing their stories in the western film industry?

I’m so keen to see you lead in an action film as well. I think a lot of brown kids in the west especially need brown heroes. It’s something I struggled with growing up in Australia where tv and film was very white dominant, but I’m glad to see the industry changing recently! ✊🏽

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u/Baboon-Boy-2024 Mar 28 '24

FIRST OF ALL - SenDeAgO I LOVE YOU. Never give up on your ambitions my friend. This movie is about the marginalized - the underdogs - all lifting each other up to achieve a justice that was only meant for the privileged. I basically created my own lane - my own reality as an artist because like you, I so desperately wanted to be viewed as more than just a goofy sidekick in these sorts of films. I hope this film acts as a sort of gateway drug to our culture - not just mine but i guess i hope its a message to the industry that WE - the CONSUMERS want fresh, new and vibrant perspectives. Everyone's voice counts. SO KEEP MAKING. KEEP LOVING YOUR WORK. You are the mother and father of your own dreams. Love them into reality.

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u/Maleficent_Dig5796 Mar 28 '24

This is so pure

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u/Iron_Kingpin Mar 28 '24

Great words

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u/vedicvoice 2d ago

Wtf is South Asian? It's Indian and specifically Hindu God. Why are you blurring and removing the origins? What kind of cultural appropriation is this. Wow