Dev Patel recently experienced a heartfelt moment during the world premiere of his directorial debut film, Monkey Man. The 33-year-old actor, who co-wrote, directed, and starred in the movie, was visibly moved by the audience's reaction at the SXSW premiere.
Monkey Man follows the story of a character named Kid, played by Patel, who struggles to make a living in an underground fight club where he wears a gorilla mask and endures brutal beatings for money. Seeking revenge against individuals who caused him childhood trauma, Kid's journey unfolds in the film.
During the premiere, Patel received a standing ovation, with a video capturing his emotional response as he placed his hand over his heart and wiped away tears of gratitude. The actor expressed his deep connection to the project, stating that he had poured his heart and soul into it.
Originally slated for a Netflix release, Monkey Man garnered attention when it was acquired by Universal for theatrical distribution, thanks in part to filmmaker Jordan Peele's support. Patel shared that the film faced numerous challenges during production, including his own injuries and filming difficulties amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the hurdles, Patel's dedication to Monkey Man shines through, with the movie set to hit theaters on April 5. The actor's passion for the project and the support it has received from Universal and Peele underscore the significance of this cinematic endeavor.
