Dev Patel feels like he’s been on the scene way longer than his 34 years suggest. This is mostly due to his role in the iconic British TV drama Skins, where he starred as Anwar in the first two series from 2007-2008.

He did pretty well with his big screen debut too, starring as he did in Danny Boyle’s much loved 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire.

This latest film is his 16th full feature, which is impressive in itself considering his age, but it also marks his first time behind the camera too, as well as co-writing a story he created and produce.

Taking part in an underground fight club is Kid (Patel). Wearing a monkey mask, he plays the patsy, taking a dive so those in the know can make some coin betting against him.

It’s not his chosen career path however, as he has other plans on his mind. He is driven by revenge, with what happened to him as a child, and he’s been working on a plan ever since. He has reached a point in his life however, where he can act upon it, and someone is going to pay.

This project clearly meant a lot to the young actor, hence his deep involvement in it.

As a story, it’s disappointingly generic, despite being dressed up in Indian mythology; a young man seeks revenge upon the man who destroyed his family.

It’s also eerily similar to John Wick, which isn’t necessarily a good thing; a lot of it also takes place in a building similar to that of the Continental. The difference is however, that the story is well told, and has a bit more substance to it.

It’s here where Patel impresses with his directorial debut. He imbues it with a lot of personality, vibrant colours, and a welcome Indian flavour, that reflects both rich and poor cultures.

It all helps to make you care about the main protagonist, who is ever watchable thanks to the ever likeable Patel, who just shines in whatever he is in.

It’s obvious it was a labour of love for the actor and director, and with his flare behind the camera, and his considerable talent in front of it, makes Monkey Man hugely entertaining from beginning to end.