Dev Patel emphasizes the importance of transgender representation in Monkey Man, his directorial debut. The film delves into the story of a man seeking revenge against corrupt leaders responsible for his mother’s murder. Patel, who also acts in the film, highlights the significance of including transgender characters in the narrative. Monkey Man, featuring a talented supporting cast including Sharlto Copley, Pitbash, Vipin Sharma, Sikander Kher, and Adithi Kalkunte, hit theaters on April 5th.
In emphasizing the importance of Monkey Man’s representation of transgender people, Patel clarified his intention behind the film. He expressed that Monkey Man was conceived as “an anthem for the underdogs,” individuals who stand up for what is right. Patel deemed it crucial to incorporate “the hijra community,” commonly known as “the third gender in India,” to fully convey this message. Below is Patel’s complete statement:
“For me, this is an anthem for the underdogs, the voiceless and the marginalized. Together they wage this war for the good and the just, and for me, I really wanted to include the hijra community, the third gender in India. We should be fighting for each other, not against each other.”
Patel’s decision to incorporate the transgender community into Monkey Man adds depth and significance to the film. From the synopsis and the trailer, it’s evident that the action-packed storyline revolves around battling oppressive leadership that oppresses countless individuals. These individuals, described by Patel as the “voiceless and the marginalized,” encompass groups like the hijra community. By featuring them in the movie, Patel aims to foster solidarity among the underdogs, portraying them as a cohesive force standing against the corrupt elite.
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