Summary

Monkey Man is a vengeful action thriller starring Dev Patel that combines hyper-violent action with social commentary.
The film follows Kid as he seeks revenge for his mother’s death, culminating in a brutal showdown with corrupt leaders.
Despite the lack of a post-credit scene, the film’s success may pave the way for a potential sequel, depending on various factors.

Released to critical acclaim on April 5, 2024, Monkey Man is a vengeful action thriller written and directed by, and starring Dev Patel. The story follows Kid, a young Indian boy who grows up and vows to avenge the death of his mother at the hands of a corrupt spiritual leader and a shady police officer. As Kid climbs the ranks of the underground boxing clubs wearing his trademark Monkey Mask, he orchestrates a steadfast mission to serve ice-cold justice to those who’ve wronged him.

Although Monkey Man has been praised for its engaging fusion of hyper-violent action and social commentary, some fans are left wondering what happens at the end of the story and if there is a post-credit scene. Given the movie’s success, turning a $10 million budget into a $29 million global moneymaker (via Box Office Mojo), it’s also worth considering if a potential Monkey Man sequel could be in play for Universal Pictures.

Monkey Man 2.5/5 Release Date April 5, 2024 Runtime 1hr 53min

What Is Monkey Man About?
Universal Pictures

To understand the ending of Monkey Man, one must contextualize the beginning. The story begins in an Indian forestland where Kid (in one of Patel’s best performances) lives with his spiritual mother Neela (Adithi Kalkunte). One day, the wicked spiritual leader Baba Shakti (Makrand Deshpande) sends the corrupt police chief Rana Singh (Sikander Kher) to invade Kid’s village and evict its inhabitants to control the land. After nearly escaping and hiding Kid in a safe place, Neela is burned alive in front of her son. Kid attempts to save his mother but burns and badly damages his hands.

The movie flashes ahead several years, where Kid has grown up to become a violent underground prizefighter at a Temple run by Tiger (Sharlto Copley). Wearing his iconic Monkey Mask, Kid often loses fights on purpose to make money. Meanwhile, Kid finds work in the kitchen of an upscale brothel called Kings, operated by Queenie Kapoor (Ashwini Kalsekar), which he knows Rana frequents. Desperate to avenge Baba and Rana for killing his mother, Kid goes on a creative warpath of destruction.

Using the alias Bobby, Kid befriends a gangster named Alphonso (Pitobash) working for Queenie and becomes a VIP waiter. His new position grants close access to Rana, whom Kid tries to kill by serving him tainted cocaine. The assassination attempt backfires, forcing Kid to fight his way out and flee. After being shot by police and falling into a river, Kid meets the local Hijra transgender community, also tormented by Baba, who is now an influential political figure with immense power.

What Happens at the End of Monkey Man?
Universal Pictures

Everything changes for Kid once he meets Alpha (Vipin Sharma), who leads the Hijra. Alpha puts Kid through a hallucinogenic spiritual awakening that decreases the vengeful rage in his heart and gives him more compassion. With a clear mind and open heart, Kid begins training with Alpha and fights on behalf of the Hijra and others on society’s fringes as the exciting action-thriller approaches its final act.

When the Hijra temple is threatened, Kid returns to Tiger’s Temple and places a large bet on himself to win. Upon victory, Kid uses the prize money to save the Hijra temple. Meanwhile, Baba’s new political puppet wins an election and Baba celebrates at Kings. Along with Alpha and the Hijra warriors, Kid fashions makeshift weapons and attacks Baba and his men. Kid also bleaches his Monkey Mask white to avoid being recognized.

Related Monkey Man Took One Refreshing Thing From John Wick Monkey Man and John Wick are changing the action genre for the better.

As Kid approaches Baba and Rana, Queenie tries to shoot him. Kid’s colleague Sita (Sobhita Dhulipala) saves his life in the nick of time and kills Queenie instead. Kid takes Queenie’s severed thumb and uses its imprint to gain Penthouse access to Baba and Rana. In a gritty one-on-one fistfight, Kid beats Rana to death.

Kid finds his way to Baba, who sneakily slices Kid with hidden blades in his shoes. After a protracted battle, Kid finally kills Baba using the same shoe blades that injured him. Exhausted and exultant at once, Kid collapses on the ground in victorious agony. The movie’s final moments depict Kid lovingly reminiscing about his mother Neela and the spiritual lessons she taught him as a boy.

Does Monkey Man Have a Post-Credits Scene?
Universal Pictures

No, Monkey Man does not have a mid or post-credit scene. The film ends with Kid remembering his mother with fond memories of his upbringing in rural India. Despite the violent rage Kid expresses throughout, the film ends on a hopeful spiritual note as Kid recalls the Hanuman stories Neela taught him as a child.

While post-credit scenes have long been a Hollywood staple, the trend has been popularized in the past decade with the MCU leading the way. Marvel movies often tease sequels and prequels by including a mysterious mid and post-credit sequence to stir fan interest. The trend has expanded beyond Marvel and comic book movies, a la John Wick 4, Saw X, Wonka, Mean Girls, Road House, and countless others. However, just because Monkey Man is devoid of a post-credit scene does not necessarily mean a sequel won’t be made.

Related The 10 Best Directorial Debuts of the 2020s, So Far A feature directorial debut is a massive milestone for many directors. Take a look at 10 of the best debuts of the 2020s so far.

Potential For Monkey Man 2
Universal Pictures

As Ryan Gosling recently lamented about his underrated movie The Nice Guys (via Comic Book), a movie sequel depends mostly on the opening weekend success of the original despite critical acclaim. In that regard, Monkey Man is a bit complicated. Although the film has grossed nearly $30 million thus far against a modest $10 million budget, the film slightly underperformed at the opening weekend box office based on industry expectations. According to Variety, Monkey Man was expected to gross roughly $12 million in the opening weekend but only made $10.1 million. While the difference is negligible, Patel addressed other factors that could affect a potential sequel.

Speaking with Variety, Patel noted the grueling physical efforts, injuries, and eye infections he sustained while making Monkey Man. Although the film has received critical plaudits, the painstaking efforts may cause Patel to avoid making another one. However, Monkey Man cast members have expressed interest in a sequel via Twitter, prompting Patel to address the topic head-on.

“I’m trying not to get ahead of myself. I know this sounds like a cliché, but just to … birth this little thing, it’s been a huge undertaking. This is all a dream come true.”

Despite the lack of a post-credit scene, a Monkey Man sequel could still be in play for Patel and Universal at some point ahead.