Two Legends, One Screen — Patriot Review: Mohanlal & Mammootty Deliver, But the Film Doesn’t Fully Match Their Stature

When Mammootty and Mohanlal share the screen, expectations run sky-high. Patriot gets close — but not all the way.

Released on May 1, 2026, Patriot is one of the most anticipated Malayalam films of the year — bringing together two of Indian cinema’s greatest actors under the direction of Mahesh Narayanan. The result is a spy actioner that shines brighter when its stars are on screen than when its script has to carry the weight alone.

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Patriot (2026) — Film

Patriot Story

Patriot follows Dr. Daniel James, a former agent who now runs a YouTube channel criticizing the government and its policies. His life takes a drastic turn when he opposes a surveillance program that threatens citizens’ privacy, leading to him being framed as an enemy spy. With nowhere left to turn, Daniel seeks help from his friend Col. Rahim Naik. Together, they must uncover a massive government conspiracy that could threaten national security.

It’s a timely, relevant premise — one that taps into very real anxieties about state surveillance, media freedom, and institutional corruption in a spy film framework.

What Works?

The biggest asset of Patriot is undeniably the acting expertise of both Mohanlal and Mammootty. The superstars do not carry their usual on-screen stardom; instead, they focus on fully immersing themselves in their characters. The audience does not see them reminiscing about their old roles or dropping Easter eggs — the film treats them as the accomplished performers they are, and they deliver exactly what is required.

Unlike contemporary films that use nostalgia and gimmicks to sell tickets, Patriot places its confidence in its narrative — and the execution is top-notch, creating a space where entertainment blends seamlessly with strong storytelling. On the technical front, the film benefits greatly from polished action choreography, high production value, and stylish visuals.

Mohanlal in particular is the film’s emotional anchor. He keeps his performance subtle and effortless, reinforcing why both actors continue to remain relevant across generations. Every scene he’s in carries quiet, commanding weight.

What Doesn’t Work

Despite a strong first half and a powerful interval block, the second half struggles to maintain the same level of engagement. The narrative gradually loses momentum and fails to land emotional beats effectively, resulting in a flat and at times dull second hour. Certain emotional arcs feel underdeveloped and inconsistent, making parts of the story seem stereotypical. Additionally, pacing issues and inconsistent editing make the film feel stretched in places.

In a rare miss, Sushin Shyam’s music doesn’t leave the expected impact, lacking its usual depth and memorability.

The Performances

Mammootty dominates the first half, driving the narrative with a grounded and compelling performance that makes the character relatable without relying on gimmicks. Fahadh Faasil handles a relatively straightforward role with ease, while Kunchacko Boban showcases his versatility beyond his earlier romantic-hero image. Nayanthara also delivers a solid performance within the scope of her role.

Conclusion

Patriot was never meant to be a commercial entertainer, and it doesn’t try to be one. It is a content-driven film where stars transform into characters rather than dominate the narrative. Despite inconsistencies in pacing and emotional depth, the film remains an engaging watch — especially for those eager to see Mammootty and Mohanlal share the screen again after years.

If you go in expecting a thinking person’s spy thriller anchored by two extraordinary actors giving restrained, character-first performances, Patriot will mostly deliver. Just don’t expect the second half to match the promise of the first.

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