Digital route calling for Dev Patel’s directorial debut, Monkey Man

Dev Patel

Dev Patel's directorial debut, Monkey Man, has been acquired by Netflix. The India-set revenge drama, which sees Patel as actor, writer and producer, will release next year. The cast includes Sobhita Dhulipala and South African actor Sharlto Copley. The film is set in the world of corporate greed and eroding spiritual values.

While talking to IANS once, Patel stated, "I had been to India a couple of times as a child but my real exposure to the country happened when I shot for 'Slumdog Millionaire'. My love affair with India started while working on the film. I did not understand Indian culture properly while growing up in London. I feel blessed that through 'Slumdog Millionaire I got the opportunity to witness India's beauty and its people in a detailed way."

British filmmaker Danny Boyle's 2008 film, "Slumdog Millionaire", casts Dev in the title role, recounting the travails of an orphan who grows up in the slums of Mumbai and uses his common sense and general awareness to win the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" The global hit won eight Oscars and helped Dev earn a name for himself.

"'Slumdog Millionaire' changed my life in many ways. There were not many roles for us in the West that time. I think what it did for me is what it also does for the industry. Winning several Oscars was a big thing. I think there was a tectonic plate that shifted, which was incredible. It gave me exposure to a big world out there and started my obsession with India," he shared.

Dev had also donned the hat of narrator for the National Geographic series "India From Above", which showcased unique stories from India from an aerial perspective. The two-part series used drone cameras to let people see the country's geographical, cultural, technological and historical aspects from the aerial view.