The newly released Malayalam film Patriot’s biggest selling point is undoubtedly the reunion of Mohanlal and Mammootty. The two legends share screen space after nearly two decades, their last appearance together being the famed Twenty:20. Naturally, expectations are sky-high. Mahesh Narayanan, however, stays true to his filmmaking style despite having a dream cast at his disposal, crafting an espionage thriller with an enviable ensemble.
Dr Daniel James (Mammootty) is a scientific advisor employed with the government in the Defense department. An honest cabinet minister, played by Revathy, informs him about a major deal between the government and a corporate giant that threatens individual privacy. At the centre of this is Periscope—a system capable of accessing any device with a single click, referred to as “zero-click.” As Dr James begins to track down those responsible, he is branded a traitor just as he inches closer to the truth. Left with little choice, he flees the country and settles in Europe, where he starts a YouTube channel exposing Periscope with real-life examples of how it has destroyed innocent lives. As his online presence grows, those behind the system set a plan in motion to eliminate him. Mohanlal appears in an extended cameo as a trusted, old friend to Mammootty’s character.
The reunion of the two stalwarts makes Patriot one of the most anticipated films in recent times. Mahesh Narayanan, who serves as the writer, director, and editor, carefully sets the stage for a heavy, concept-driven narrative centred on privacy breaches, drawing parallels to the Pegasus controversy. The first half takes its time to establish the world, detailing how deeply the nexus is embedded within the system. The interval block offers a satisfying payoff to this steady buildup.
The second half, however, is where the much-awaited reunion unfolds—and also where the film begins to waver. Unlike the measured approach of the first half, Narayanan seems to succumb to the pressure of delivering whistle-worthy moments. In trying to strike a balance, the script takes a backseat, and the narrative loses the momentum it had so effectively built earlier.
The climax, in particular, introduces a major plot point involving Fahadh and Rajiv Menon that feels abrupt and underdeveloped. It is not a minor detail but one that could have significantly shaped the characters. Yet, the lack of foreshadowing makes it feel like an afterthought, raising questions about whether certain character arcs were hastily stitched together.
The moments designed to elevate the two leads do work in isolation.
While the film’s core theme is intriguing and relevant, it also feels somewhat dated. Conversations around privacy breaches and unchecked access to personal data have been explored extensively. With AI now becoming a part of everyday life—and people willingly sharing their most vulnerable thoughts with technology—the idea of software infiltrating one’s phone no longer carries the same novelty or urgency.
What truly holds Patriot together are its performances. The film boasts a strong supporting cast, including Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Darshana Rajendran, Nayanthara, Rajiv Menon, and Revathy, alongside the two leads. Nayanthara appears in a cameo that doesn’t quite leave the intended impact, though her restrained performance stands out. Darshana effectively anchors key portions of the narrative, while Fahadh, as always, brings a compelling edge with his unsettling screen presence. In his own words, his character seeks to “shine in the flames” ignited by the coming together of the two superstars. Kunchacko Boban fits seamlessly into his role as the junior counterpart.
At its core, the film hinges on the reunion of the two icons—and unfortunately, it rarely rises above that. The pressure of presenting superstars in a particular light is evident, and it does come in the way of a more cohesive storytelling experience.
That said, Patriot is far from a bad film. Narayanan manages to keep the viewer engaged, even if the impact doesn’t linger long after, barring a well-executed moment that establishes the connection between Mohanlal and Mammootty’s characters.
Sushin Shyam’s music, despite his reputation as one of the most sought-after composers in Malayalam cinema, doesn’t leave a lasting impression, with much of the background score leaning on forced tension. Cinematographer Manush Nandan captures the film’s multiple locations effectively, and some of the action sequences—particularly those set in confined spaces—are visually engaging. However, certain experimental choices with framing and angles don’t always land.
Patriot arrives with a weight of unspoken expectations, largely due to its leads. As the film itself suggests, Mohanlal and Mammootty have not just earned followers, but the faith of the audience. While the film has its flaws, they aren’t significant enough to shake that faith.
