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Dev Patel is gearing up for his directorial debut with the action-packed film “Monkey Man,” but the journey to bring this project to life hasn’t been without its challenges. In a recent Ask Me Anything session on Reddit, the actor-turned-filmmaker shed light on some of the hurdles he faced during the production, particularly amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Financial Struggles:
One of the major obstacles Dev Patel encountered was financial uncertainty, exacerbated by the pandemic. Just weeks before principal photography was set to begin, the crew faced the looming threat of shutdown due to financial constraints. Dev recounted how he pleaded with the financier to keep the project afloat, highlighting the precarious nature of film production during uncertain times. He revealed that the situation was dire, with the film on the brink of being abandoned altogether.
Change in Location:
Originally planned to be filmed in India, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced a sudden change in plans. Dev shared how all the meticulously planned locations in India had to be scrapped last minute due to pandemic-related restrictions. In a swift pivot, the production relocated to a remote island in Indonesia, where they could create a controlled environment for filming amidst the pandemic. This shift required significant adaptation and added complexity to an already challenging endeavor.
New Supporting Cast:
With borders closed and travel restrictions in place, recruiting supporting cast members from India became impossible. Dev faced the dilemma of filling roles traditionally reserved for actors with crew members. He found himself putting tailors, lighting technicians, and accountants in front of the camera, highlighting the resourcefulness and adaptability required to navigate unforeseen circumstances.
Equipment Challenges:
The production also grappled with equipment shortages and technical malfunctions. Broken cameras and cranes posed significant setbacks, compounded by the inability to source new equipment due to pandemic-related supply chain disruptions. Dev recounted how they resorted to unconventional filming methods, including shooting scenes on mobile phones and improvising camera rigs with rope, showcasing the team’s ingenuity and resilience in the face of adversity.
Shortage of Stunt Props:
Even stunt sequences were not immune to challenges, with a shortage of break-away tables posing logistical hurdles. Dev described the makeshift solutions they employed, including salvaging broken wood to repair tables between takes. Each obstacle presented an opportunity for innovation and collaboration, highlighting the determination of the team to overcome obstacles and deliver a compelling cinematic experience.
About “Monkey Man”:
Inspired by the legend of Lord Hanuman, “Monkey Man” follows the journey of a man seeking vengeance against corrupt leaders who have oppressed the vulnerable. Dev Patel developed the film from a story idea he had, co-writing the screenplay with Paul Angunawela and John Collee. The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Sobhita Dhulipala, Sikander Kher, Makarand Deshpande, Pitobash, and Vipin Sharma, promising an exhilarating cinematic experience rooted in Indian mythology and contemporary themes.