Dev Patel Reveals Ramayana's Deep Influence on 'Monkey Man' and South Asian Representation

Dev Patel Unpacks 'Monkey Man's' Roots in Ancient Mythology Actor-director Dev Patel recently shared insights into his directorial debut, "Monkey Man," revealing the profound influence of the Hindu epic Ramayana and the revered character of Hanuman on his film. The movie, which recently garnered an audience award at South by Southwest, delves into themes of courage, strength, and the journey of the underdog, resonating deeply with audiences and critics alike. During an interview, Patel expressed his long-held desire to bring aspects of his cultural heritage to the forefront of cinema. "I've been running away from my culture growing up my whole life, you know, I've been ashamed of it, I worried of being bullied," Patel stated, highlighting a personal connection to the film's narrative. He emphasized that the character of Hanuman, often seen in Indian gyms alongside figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger, symbolizes superhuman strength and resilience. Patel elaborated on the rich tapestry of Indian mythologies, noting how much of Western iconography, including comic book narratives, draws parallels from these ancient stories. "There's so much of Western iconography that's been pulled from that, you know, comic book stuff like Superman splitting his shirt opened to reveal his 'S', flying, superhuman strength, holding the mountain in one hand, all that kind of stuff," he explained. He aims to present these narratives in a way that is accessible and engaging for a global audience, showcasing the universal appeal of these timeless tales of outsiders banding together to defeat adversity.

embedded.substack.com

The TikTokker on the red carpet

Plus: Influencer committees and West Village girls