Dev Patel, the British actor who rose to fame with Slumdog Millionaire, is back in the director's chair with a new period action thriller titled The Peasant. The film recently wrapped production after an extensive shoot across multiple Indian states, marking a historic first for the independent studio A24. This is Patel's second directorial venture following his 2024 debut Monkey Man, which earned critical acclaim for its raw, visceral action sequences and commentary on social justice. With The Peasant, Patel aims to deliver a revenge epic that draws comparisons to classics like Braveheart and John Wick.
The project was originally conceived by writer Will Dunn, who had envisioned a story set in medieval Italy. However, after Patel came on board, he collaborated with Dunn to rework the screenplay, shifting the setting to 14th-century India. This change not only opened up a rich cultural and historical backdrop but also allowed Patel to tap into his own heritage. The script, which landed on the prestigious 2023 Black List (an annual survey of Hollywood's best unproduced screenplays), was described by The Hollywood Reporter as an “adrenalised revenge thriller” with shades of Braveheart, John Wick, and King Arthur. The film follows a shepherd whose community is ravaged by mercenaries, setting him on a path of righteous vengeance that ultimately reveals his true nature.
Patel once again pulls double duty as both director and lead actor, a feat he managed masterfully in Monkey Man. The cast includes Saurabh Sachdeva, known for his role in the blockbuster Animal (2023), as well as Anasuya Sengupta, Christian Friedel, Sebastian Bull, and Vipin Sharma, who previously worked with Patel in Monkey Man. The ensemble reflects a blend of Indian and international talent, underscoring the film's global appeal. Patel also produced the film under his Minor Realm banner, alongside Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, and Charlie Morrison of Thunder Road Pictures, the production house behind Monkey Man.
A Historic A24 Production in India
The Peasant is A24's first-ever production to be shot in India. The studio, known for distributing critically acclaimed films such as Moonlight, Lady Bird, and Everything Everywhere All at Once, landed the project for a reported $30 million after a competitive bidding war in 2024. This move signals A24's growing interest in international storytelling and its willingness to invest in bold, culturally specific narratives. Filming took place across four states: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Each location was chosen to capture the diverse landscapes of medieval India, from arid deserts to lush valleys, providing a visually stunning backdrop for the revenge saga.
Rajasthan's forts and palaces offered a majestic setting for the film's royal and mercenary elements, while Himachal Pradesh's mountainous terrain added a sense of isolation and danger. Madhya Pradesh's historic sites contributed to the gritty, period-authentic atmosphere. The production team worked closely with local crews and authorities to ensure logistical efficiency and cultural sensitivity. This approach not only bolstered India's reputation as a filming destination but also aligned with A24's ethos of supporting local filmmaking ecosystems.
Plot and Influences
While the full plot details remain under wraps, the official synopsis reveals that the story centers on a 14th-century shepherd who seeks revenge after mercenaries destroy his community. As he hunts down the perpetrators, his journey becomes one of self-discovery, blending violent confrontation with emotional depth. The film's influences are notably cinematic: the Braveheart comparison suggests large-scale battles and a rousing call for freedom; the John Wick reference points to choreographed, ballistic action; and the King Arthur nod indicates a mythic, legendary quality. Patel has stated in interviews that he wants to create a film that feels both intimate and epic, grounded in real human emotions yet elevated by poetic violence.
This isn't Patel's first foray into action filmmaking. Monkey Man, which was initially set in an unnamed Indian city but later fictionalized, showcased Patel's ability to choreograph brutal fight sequences that carry political weight. The film was praised for its kinetic energy and its exploration of class struggle, religious hypocrisy, and identity. With The Peasant, Patel widens the canvas to a historical setting, but retains the thematic core of a marginalized individual fighting back against oppressive forces.
From Monkey Man to The Peasant
Dev Patel's directorial debut was a labor of love that nearly fell apart during production. Monkey Man was shot in Indonesia and India with a modest budget, and Patel famously injured his hand during a stunt. Despite these challenges, the film premiered at South by Southwest (SXSW) to strong buzz and was eventually picked up by Netflix for international distribution. Its success—both critically and with audiences—gave Patel the confidence to tackle a larger-scale project like The Peasant. The transition from a contemporary action thriller to a period epic is a bold step, but it reflects Patel's ambition to explore different genres and historical contexts.
Patel's career has been marked by a willingness to take risks. After his breakout role as Jamal Malik in Slumdog Millionaire, he could have settled into conventional Bollywood or mainstream Hollywood roles. Instead, he chose challenging parts in films like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Lion (for which he received an Oscar nomination), and The Personal History of David Copperfield. Each role demonstrated his versatility, from drama to comedy to action. Now, behind the camera, Patel is proving that he can shape stories with equal skill.
Significance for Indian Cinema and Global Audiences
The production of The Peasant is significant beyond its Hollywood pedigree. It represents a growing trend of international productions choosing India as a shooting location, attracted by its diverse landscapes, skilled crews, and government incentives. For Indian cinema, it's an opportunity to showcase traditional craftsmanship and storytelling to a global audience. The film's cast includes acclaimed Indian actors who bring authenticity to the period setting. Moreover, Patel's own Indian heritage (his mother is a Gujarati Hindu) adds a personal layer to the narrative, potentially resonating deeply with audiences in India and the diaspora.
The decision to move the setting from Italy to India was not just practical but creative. Medieval India, with its intricate caste systems, feudal conflicts, and rich cultural tapestry, offers a unique environment for a revenge story. The film's title, The Peasant, directly references the protagonist's low social status, which is central to the conflict. This allows Patel to explore themes of social injustice and resilience, which have been consistent motifs in his work.
As A24's first India shoot, The Peasant also signals a shift in how independent Hollywood studios approach international production. Instead of filming in familiar European or North American locations, they are venturing into new territories with distinct visual and cultural identities. This not only enriches the cinematic landscape but also provides economic benefits to local communities. The $30 million budget is substantial for an independent film, and it was spent largely within India's film industry.
With post-production now underway, anticipation for The Peasant is building. Fans of Patel's work and of A24's brand of thoughtful, genre-pushing cinema will be watching closely. If the film lives up to its influences—combining the emotional weight of Braveheart, the adrenaline of John Wick, and the mythic resonance of King Arthur—it could become a landmark film for both Dev Patel and A24. For now, the promise of a revenge thriller shot across the breathtaking landscapes of India, directed by a visionary filmmaker at the height of his powers, is more than enough to spark excitement.
Source: MSN News