New York, March 19 -- Actor Dev Patel was seen fighting back tears after his directorial debut 'Monkey Man' received a standing ovation at the South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival. The much-anticipated India-set movie, also written by the 'Slumdog Millionaire' and 'Lion' star, had its world premiere at the film gala, held annually in Austin, Texas. The movie was introduced to the audience by filmmaker Jordan Peele, who serves as a producer of the project.

Inspired by the legend of Lord Hanuman, 'Monkey Man' is set in Mumbai and features Patel as Kid, a man on a quest for vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systematically victimize the poor and powerless.

Post the screening, Patel made his way...