Despite classifying them as a third gender, the Indian government did not establish protections and safeguards against ...

“Monkey Man” is also notable for its portrayal of hijras, India’s third-gender community who consider themselves neither male nor female, said Krishnamurti.

Groups of hijras tend to cohabit, just like in Monkey Man, both out of necessity and for safety, making a living through things like begging, ritual performances, sex work or as servants and cooks.

In Monkey Man the depiction of the hijra community goes beyond stereotypes, presenting them as integral to the protagonist’s journey, like when Patel’s character is saved and nursed back to ...

Mild spoilers for Dev Patel’s Monkey Man are ahead. If you haven’t seen this action entry on the 2024 movie schedule, you can catch it in theaters now.

‘Monkey Man’ showcases a confident and energized Dev Patel both behind and in front of the camera in a ferocious, culturally-charged tale of revenge.

It would be a mistake to dismiss Monkey Man as merely another piece of “woke” cinema for acknowledging the hijra.

Monkey Man was eventually bought by Netflix and destined for a streaming-only run, until the writer-director Jordan Peele brought the movie under his production company to ensure a theatrical release.

“Monkey Man” is also notable for its portrayal of hijras, India’s third-gender community who consider themselves neither male nor female, said Krishnamurti.