The corrupt government in Monkey Man uses Hinduism as a tool to repress the minority. Kid dons a monkey mask (and other imagery) to represent the Hindu god Hanuman, a powerful warrior in the scriptures that fights demons. In this way, Kid uses Hinduism to battle the false portrayers in power.

Hindutva has been criticized as Anti-Muslim, conservative, and can stray from Hinduism’s nonviolent ideals. The movement inspired rioters in 1992 to destroy a 1500s mosque, Babri Masjid, because of claims that it was originally built on a Hindu religious site. The court ruled to relocate the Mosque.

Meanwhile in India, Hinduism is the most widely practiced religion. But recently, Hindutva, a Hindu Nationalist movement, came to power through the prime minister, Narendra Modi, of the BJP. Where did Hindutva start, and does it follow Hinduism’s ideals any better than the West does?

Star Wars, the Matrix, Interstellar, and more inspire from Vedic ideas (not always accurately). For example, The Legend of Bagger Vance adapted the Bhagavad Gita to golf. Sadly, it used the “wise negro” trope, where the black caddy offered the white main character wisdom about life when needed.

Indian government when a film critiques their political movement and uses their favorite religion against them. How has Monkey Man not released yet in India?? It’s been over almost 2 years…

(Like how that’s Jordan Peele who also produced the movie?)

#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social

A humble and loyal devotee, powerful and wise, playful and mischievous. What’s not to like about Hanuman?? Though when I watch Monkey Man we’ll see how accurate the character is to the story of Hanuman.

#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social