Monkey Man (2024)

Monkey Man offers a significantly positive and affirming portrayal of the Hijra community, India's third gender transfeminine group. These characters are depicted with agency and dignity, forming a crucial alliance with the protagonist against oppression. Their central and empowering role in the narrative marks a rare and commendable representation in mainstream cinema.

The film features Alpha, a leader of the Hijra community, who participates in the final battle. Alpha is shown engaging in and winning physical fights against multiple male opponents using a staff and hand-to-hand combat techniques.

The film portrays Hinduism positively by using its mythology, specifically the monkey-god Hanuman, to inspire the protagonist's quest for justice. While it critiques the weaponization of faith and religious nationalism, this targets the misuse by corrupt figures rather than the inherent nature of the religion itself.