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Film, as an art form, often serves as a reflection of societal dynamics, especially in the realm of politics. While cinema isn't governed by scientific principles, certain political films exhibit a balance akin to Newtonian physics, with opposing forces resulting in a kind of inertia.
Consider Adam McKay's "Don't Look Up" from 2021, a satirical take on climate change that critiques the public's political apathy while paradoxically indulging in celebrity culture.
Similarly, "Addio Zio Tom" (Goodbye Uncle Tom), a 1971 Italian mockumentary by Gualtiero Jacopetti and Franco Prosperi, attempts to satirize American slavery but falls short by dehumanizing its Haitian extras—a glaring contradiction.
Somewhere between these extremes lies "Monkey Man," a film by Patel that delves into themes of revenge and political corruption set in the fictional city of Yatana, reminiscent of Mumbai.
The protagonist, referred to as "Kid," embarks on a quest for vengeance against corrupt politicians, particularly a fictitious religious leader named Baba Shakti.
Patel intertwines real protest footage against India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regime, offering a critique of the country's growing Hindu nationalism, albeit with a paradoxical approach.
While the film's critique is intended to challenge the status quo, its portrayal of Hindu symbolism becomes convoluted as it inadvertently reinforces the very extremism it seeks to condemn.
The backdrop of India's political landscape, marked by a rise in Hindu supremacy since Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, adds depth to the narrative.
Instances such as the controversial inauguration of the Ram Mandir atop the Babri Masjid ruins underscore the tension between secular ideals and religious fervor in Indian society.
The film's use of Hindu imagery, intertwined with themes of violence and political dissent, blurs the line between storytelling and societal tensions.
"Monkey Man" draws inspiration from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana, with Kid's journey mirroring that of Hanuman's quest to rescue Sita. Yet, the film's portrayal of Hindu symbolism becomes a double-edged sword, as Kid's actions inadvertently align with the very extremism it seeks to critique.
The narrative's focus on external threats rather than addressing internal issues within Hinduism adds to this thematic dissonance.
As the film nears its release, alterations made to distance its villains from real-world Hindutva suggest a cautious approach, possibly to avoid controversy.
The delayed release in India, amidst a charged political climate and impending elections, underscores the film's potential to provoke discussions on censorship and political dissent.
While Patel's intentions may be noble, "Monkey Man" grapples with narrative inconsistencies and studio interventions, risking dilution of its political critique.
Nonetheless, amidst a cinematic landscape increasingly aligned with political interests, the film's boldness in tackling societal norms and stirring debate remains a notable standout.