The lack of originality in "Monkey Man" overshadows Dev Patel's talent.

The film industry has accustomed us to the figure of the atypical hero seeking revenge after suffering a personal tragedy. It is a narrative device that has been exploited in numerous films, and "Monkey Man" is no exception to this trend. Directed and starring Dev Patel, the film introduces us to a character who, after the loss of his mother and village at the hands of a corrupt cop and a spiritual guru, decides to take justice into his own hands. However, the main issue with "Monkey Man" lies in its lack of originality. The plot, following Kid's journey for vengeance, bears too much resemblance to other films in the genre, such as "John Wick" or "Nobody". Despite efforts to incorporate elements of Hindu mythology, the film fails to stand out for its originality and ends up falling into predictable clichés. Despite its shortcomings, Dev Patel showcases his talent both in front of and behind the camera in his directorial debut. The British actor of Indian descent manages to capture the essence of his character and deliver moments of intense action and emotion in the final minutes of the film. The hand-to-hand combat scenes, shootouts, and chases are dynamic and impeccably choreographed, reminiscent of action genre classics. The setting in the underbelly of India adds an interesting backdrop to the story, but unfortunately falls into the trap of glamorizing poverty. The flashbacks used to reveal the protagonist's repressed memories feel forced and do not contribute much to the plot, diminishing the originality of the film's narrative. Despite its flaws, "Monkey Man" manages to shine in certain aspects. The inclusion of dualities inspired by Hindu mythology, such as the relationship between man and animal, adds depth to Kid's character and gives the film an intriguing symbolism. The fight sequence involving the cult of the deity Ardhanari is one of the most outstanding moments of the film, showcasing careful direction in the action scenes. In summary, "Monkey Man" is a film that, while featuring moments of intense action and an interesting mythological background, fails to break free from the clichés of the revenge genre. Despite Dev Patel's talent as an actor and director, the lack of originality in the plot and characters prevents the film from reaching its full potential. Although it has notable moments, ultimately, "Monkey Man" falls short in its attempt to offer a fresh and innovative proposal in the action genre.