Directed by :Mahesh Narayanan
Written by: Mahesh Narayanan
Produced by: Anto Joseph,K. G. Anil Kumar
Starring: Mammootty,Mohanlal,Fahadh Faasil,Kunchacko Boban,Nayanthara,Revathi
Cinematography:Manush Nandan
Edited by:Mahesh Narayanan,Rahul Radhakrishnan
Music by:Sushin Shyam
Production
companies:Anto Joseph Film Company,Kichappus Entertainments,C R Saleem Productions,Blue Tigers London
Distributed by:Aan Mega Media
Release date:1 May 2026

Patriot is an Indian Malayalam-language spy action thriller film written, co-edited, and directed by Mahesh Narayanan. It was produced by Anto Joseph and K. G. Anil Kumar. The film stars Mammootty, Mohanlal, Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, and Revathi. The film’s original songs and background score was composed by Sushin shyam.

Mahesh Narayanan’s Patriot arrives under the heavy burden of massive expectations, and while the rare sight of the “Big Ms” sharing the frame provides an undeniable spark, the film leans more on their immense star power than on directorial depth. Even with all that collective swagger, the narrative impact feels strangely muffled.
​Technically, the film is an absolute triumph, boasting an immense scale and meticulously executed set pieces. Its visual identity stands as its greatest asset, defined by a sophisticated palette of moody blues, warm ambers, and desaturated greys that create a world-class, premium thriller aesthetic. The cinematography and color grading teams deserve significant credit for making the film look spectacular.
​However, despite its focus on heavy content, Narayanan fails to translate the material into a true cinematic high. The screenplay remains frustratingly superficial, lacking the emotional core or the “gut-punch” sequences needed to truly resonate. Because the stakes feel more academic than urgent, the characters move mechanically through the plot without making the audience feel their internal conflicts. Themes of loyalty and betrayal are present but never deeply explored, resulting in a third act that fails to land. Ultimately, you leave the theater remembering the beauty of the shots rather than the substance of the scenes.

​Bottomline

A technical powerhouse that remains emotionally hollow.

2.75/5