Monkey Man Hollywood Premiere at The Historic Chinese Theatre
Hollywood, California
Words by Erin Schmidt
Photography by Stephen Shadrach
Anytime a movie the caliber of “Monkey Man” is coming to the big screen, Hollywood is set afire with giant billboards and the buzz of anticipation for the premiere and release in theatres. With Oscar and Emmy award winner Jordan Peele, whose talents both as a director and actor have positioned him as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars, alongside the incredible British actor, Dev Patel.
Dev Patel not only stars in the film, but also was the screenwriter and is also making his sensational directorial debut. Dev Patel, who first garnered international acclaim with his leading role in the giant, blockbuster hit “Slumdog Millionaire,” has outdone himself in this action-packed thriller that has incredible, fast-paced, hand-to-hand combat fight scenes and a gritty, raw feel to it that holds up against the biggest action films of all time. As a new director, Dev Patel clearly demonstrates his phenomenal artistry in directing by creating a heart-stopping action film that is sure to have you on the edge of your seat for most of the film.
It is clear Dev Patel knows what he is doing in the fight scenes because he himself has a black belt in Taekwondo and has won awards in competitions. So naturally, the fight scenes look and feel very authentic. And playing opposite Dev Patel for much of the film is Pitobash, who plays the likeable and funny character “Alphonso,” friend to Dev Patel’s character “Kid,” in the underground, corrupt world they are a part of in the film. In what is otherwise a dark and gritty film, Pitobashes portrayal of his character adds much needed humor and comic relief with his charm and impeccable comedic timing.
Indian actor, Pitobash Tripathy, has been featured in several films in Bollywood over the last fifteen years and is very well known across India, but has been working his way into Hollywood. He is a talented performer whose skill and dedication to his craft is clear on screen, attracting the attention of Dev Patel to cast him in a supporting role in his film, “Monkey Man.” Pitobash is excited that “Monkey Man” features an entire cast of South Asian actors, which you don’t usually see in Hollywood. He believes this will open lots of new doors for Indian and South Asian actors to be featured in a wider array of films in the United States and globally.
Pitobash says the cast has been overwhelmed by the reception the film has received , especially at SXSW, which the audience gave a 4-minute standing ovation after the premiere, and it won the coveted “SXSW Audience Award. The Hollywood premieres have been received with equal enthusiasm and critics are impressed, calling it ‘bold, brutal and brilliant. ” We are excited to see what the future holds for the amazingly talented cast of “Monkey Man” once it debuts. And trust us, you won’t want to miss this incredible film when it hits theatres on April 5, 2024.