Revenge! It’s a strong motivator. For Dev Patel’s character Kid AKA Bobby AKA Monkey Man, the thoughts of revenge fuel his very being. In this ultra violent new movie, directed and co-written by Patel, getting even is a slow and painful process.

Patel, best known for his role in the 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire, is in almost every scene in Monkey Man. The title comes from the Hindu monkey-god Hanuman who is referenced throughout the film AND from the persona Patel’s character Kid adopts in bare-knuckle fist fights. In the ring his head is covered by a monkey mask which hides his identity.

Kid manages to finagle his way into a job at an upscale Mumbai club, starting in the kitchen, moving up to become a server in the dining room and eventually in the VIP room. A strongman Rana (Sikandar Kher) who was responsible for Kid’s mother’s torture and death provides security for the establishment. 

After a scuffle leads to a classic chase with Kid getting shot and landing in the drink, he is rescued and rehabbed by a religious group led by a trans woman named Alpha (Vipin Sharman). This respite sets him up for his final confrontation. 

Monkey Man is already being compared to the John Wick films for its level of physical violence. But the violence in Monkey Man is more visceral and realistic. Whereas the Wick face-offs feel more like choreographed dance. A couple of scenes recalled the violent climax of Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. (Though no flame-throwers like the one Leo used in that QT film were noticed.)

Patel’s facial expressions throughout the film communicate the gritty nature of these fights. There are a handful of light moments in Monkey Man. And the flashbacks to Kid’s childhood are sweet.

The cast includes Sharlto Copley who starred in the 2009 South African sci-fi film District 9. He is Tiger, the promoter and ring announcer for those underground bare-knuckle boxing matches.

Can a film that is imbued with the culture of India and its religions succeed in Western markets? Well, Slumdog Millionaire won eight Academy Awards (though none in acting categories) and was a financial success. Jordan Peele thought enough of Monkey Man to acquire the movie from Netflix and bring it to theaters via Universal. It’s rated R.