As excitement builds for the release of Patriot, an espionage thriller marking the long-awaited reunion of Malayalam cinema legends Mammootty and Mohanlal, the question on everyone's mind is: Who is the hero in Patriot? In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Mammootty answered this burning question, stating, "The plot is the hero and we both know that." His response highlights that the film is centered around its content, rather than star power.
The film, directed by Mahesh Narayanan, is an international-scale thriller that brings together two of Malayalam cinema's biggest stars after 18 years. Despite the star-studded cast, Mammootty emphasized that Patriot is driven by its strong, bold storytelling, rather than the conventional hero-oriented narrative. "We want people to be prepared to watch this movie. We have very strong and bold female characters," he said, underlining the filmβs content-driven nature.
Mammootty also reflected on the first day of shooting in Colombo, Sri Lanka, calling it "normal" as he and Mohanlal are close friends, and their reunion on set was a natural, uncomplicated experience. The film's production spanned over 130 days, with scenes shot in India and abroad, contributing to its vast, international scope. Mammootty stressed that the film avoids typical subplots, keeping the focus firmly on its plot, which tackles events the filmmakers hope will never occur in real life.
Along with Mammootty and Mohanlal, Patriot features a stellar ensemble cast, including Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, Darshana, and Revathi. With a pan-India release scheduled for May 1, 2026, Patriot is poised to captivate audiences with its unique approach to storytelling.
