Dev Patel has been making a name for himself on the big screen in recent years and is set to return this week with his new film The Man Who Knew Infinity.
The Man Who Knew Infinity
Patel will take on the central and real-life role of Srinivasa Ramanujan, who became a pioneer in mathematical theories during his time at Cambridge University. The film sees Patel star alongside Jeremy Irons, Toby Jones, and Stephen Fry while Matthew Brown is in the director's chair.
To celebrate the release of The Man Who Knew Infinity, which is based on the book of the same name by Robert Kanigel, we take a look at some of Patel's best big screen performances to date.
- Slumdog Millionaire
Hard to believe but it was Slumdog Millionaire back in 2009 that was the feature film debut for Patel... it was also the movie that was to kick off his film career and send his star rocketing.
Slumdog Millionaire was an adaptation of the novel Q&A by Vikas Swarup and saw Danny Boyle back in the director's chair. Patel took on the central role of Jamal, a Mumbai teen who reflects on his upbringing in the slums when he is accused of cheating on the Indian Version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?"
Slumdog Millionaire was one of the best movies of the year and was the film that just about everyone was talking about. The movie is a true Cinderella story that is packed with heart, heartbreak and incredibly powerful emotion.
Patel delivers a wonderful performance as Jamal, an everyman character that you can't but root for from the moment that you meet him. The more that you learn about his life, the struggles he has faced, and the love that he has for Latika, the more you want him to triumph.
Slumdog Millionaire is also one of Boyle's finest movie moments and he isn't afraid to dig into India's underbelly highlighting exploitation, corruption, and the difficulties to survive and he contrasts this beautifully with the colours and the life that bursts out of the slums.
The movie went on to be both a critical hit as well as a huge commercial smash. It was also a film that dominated the awards season, scooping eight Oscars; including Best Picture, Best Director for Boyle, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Slumdog Millionaire was the movie that really announced Patel as a film actor - he had enjoyed success on the small screen before then - but this film was to take his career in a very different direction.
- The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
After the success of Slumdog Millionaire, Patel has a bit of a miss with The Last Airbender before returning to success with the comedy The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel saw Patel star as part of a wonderful ensemble cast as he shared the screen with Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilton, and Maggie Smith. Patel played hotel owner Sonny Kapoor, who welcomes a group of British retirees who take up residence in his establishment in India.
While the hotel may not be what they expected, Sonny soon starts to charm the residents as they settle into their new life in India. With the help of the residents, it looks like the hotel will survive.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was one of the most charming movies to be released in 2012. This is an intelligent, funny and poignant script that doesn't tackle lightly the fears of growing old, being marginalised and being lonely.
The experienced cast is on top form with - Smith brings her terrific humour while Dench and Nighy drive the film forward with their touching central friendship.
Patel is also superb as the idealistic Sonny who is determined to make his hotel a success - it as much a movie about young being inspired by old as the old being inspired by the young.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a heartfelt, emotional and yet beautifully charming movie that has that real feel good vibe. It is a film that truly can be enjoyed by all ages.
The movie was met well critically and went on to be one of the biggest surprise box office hits of the year. The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel followed three years later as the cast and director returned.
- Only Yesterday
While Only Yesterday was released back in 1991, it is only recently that Patel has been part of the voice cast who have provided the English dub for this exquisite film.
Only Yesterday is another gem from animation giants Studio Ghibli and saw Isao Takahata on both writing and directing duties. It remains one of the best films in the studio's back catalogue.
The movie follows Taeko, a 27-year-old office worker travels to the countryside - to visit the elder brother of her brother in law - while reminiscing about her childhood in Tôkyô; a city she has lived in her whole life.
I am a huge Studio Ghibli fan and Only Yesterday is another of their movies you have to check out as it is just the most beautiful piece of animation. There is a simple elegance to the look and feel of the film and you really will feel that you are transported to another world.
Only Yesterday is a movie that explores the power of the past and how it has shaped us and continues to influence us in the present. It is a coming of age story that looks at the childhood and the transition that we make as we face the difficulties of adult life.
Only Yesterday was the first feature for Takahata after Grave of the Fireflies and while is nowhere near as harrowing, it is a film that is very much driven by character. However, there is still a very realistic feel to the story and the characters and is a move away from some of Studio Ghilbi's other movies such as My Neighbour Totoro.
There may be a more realistic feel to Only Yesterday, but that does not stop this film from being completely enchanting and looking beautiful. It has taken many years for this film to finally reach American cinemas, but it is worth the wait.
The Man Who Knew Infinity is released 8th April.
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