Key Takeaways:
– Dev Patel’s directorial debut, “Monkey Man”, releases next week amid stories of production challenges.
– The filming had numerous obstacles, from losing initial production crew to broken equipment and funding shortages.
– Despite all challenges, the film debuted to rave reviews at SXSW.
– “Monkey Man” is set to hit theaters on April 5th.
Dev Patel, a name synonymous with noteworthy performances, is all set to step into his directorial shoes with “Monkey Man”. However, the movie’s journey to the big screen has been far from smooth, with Patel describing the process as an “absolute catastrophe.” In a Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA) session reported by Variety, the British actor candidly opened up about the trials and tribulations faced while filming the action movie.
Challenges from the Get-Go
The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic severely impacted the initial shooting phases of “Monkey Man”. Patel was supposed to film in India, but the plan took a dramatic shift due to the pandemic’s rapidly unfolding scenario. He said, “We were meant to shoot in India then COVID hit, I lost my initial production designer and [cinematographer] and the film was basically dead.”
In the face of adversity, Patel resorted to imaginative problem-solving. He rediscovered the project in a remote Indonesian island where they created a “bubble” for the nearly 500-member crew to operate amidst numerous adversities.
Improvisation at its Best
Even on the island, there were hurdles aplenty. Losing key locations on the day of shooting and closure of borders necessitated dramatic improvisation. “I ended up having to put every tailor, lighting guy, accountant, etc. in front of the camera,” Patel revealed.
The countless challenges continued as equipment malfunctioned, with replacements unavailable due to border restrictions. The crew ended up utilizing whatever was available, including mobile phones and GoPro cameras, creating innovative solutions like a pendulum cam to capture scenes.
Financial Struggles and Innovative Solutions
Not only did Patel grapple with logistical issues, but financial constrictions impacted the production process as well. The crew had to repurpose broken pieces of wood to create props, demonstrating their tenacity and resourceful thinking. “In a long nutshell, every obstacle provided us with a new opportunity to innovate.” Patel shared.
Trials Worth the Triumph
Despite the relentless hurdles, the team’s efforts seem to have borne fruit as “Monkey Man” received high praise following its premiere at the SXSW Film Festival. The film is based on the legend of Hanuman and features Patel as “Kid,” an underground fighter seeking retribution against his oppressors.
The trials faced during the creation of “Monkey Man” only add more allure to the anticipation of its release. As Patel gears up to captivate audiences with his directorial vision, moviegoers worldwide eagerly await the fruit borne of the cast and crew’s resilience, creativity, and sheer determination.
“Monkey Man” is set to hit theaters on April 5th. Stay tuned for what promises to be an extraordinary piece in Dev Patel’s filmography.
