Patriot, starring Mammootty in the lead role, was released in theaters on May 1, 2026. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, the espionage action drama features a multistar cast including Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, Darshan Rajendran and others.
If you are planning to watch the movie in theaters this week, here is the Pinkvilla review for you.
plot
Patriot It is the story of Dr. Daniel James, a former agent who now runs a YouTube channel criticizing the government and its policies. His life takes a major turn when he protests a surveillance program that threatens citizens’ privacy, leading to an uproar and him being framed as an enemy spy.
With no place left to move forward, Daniel seeks help from his friend Colonel Rahim Naik. Together, they must uncover a massive government conspiracy that threatens national security. Do they succeed and what price they have to pay for it is the central story.
What works in Patriot
The biggest asset of Patriot is undoubtedly the acting expertise of both Mohanlal and Mammootty. Superstars do not retain their usual on-screen stardom; Instead, they focus on becoming completely immersed in their characters.
Be it Mamukka as Daniel or Laletan as Rahim, viewers don’t see them reminiscing about their old roles or leaving Easter eggs. The film presents him as a skilled performer and there is no doubt that he does what is required.
While the concept of survival in the film is familiar to the audience, the execution is top notch and creates a space where entertainment blends seamlessly with strong storytelling. Unlike contemporary films that use nostalgia and mind-numbing tactics to sell tickets, this film stays confident in its story.
The writing shines at key moments, serving as the foundation for the world-building and character development in the first half. Patriot also has a huge advantage on the technical front. From the action choreography to the production values and stylish visuals, the film stands out for its technical proficiency.
What doesn’t work in Patriot
Despite the strong and powerful interminable barrage of the first half, the second half struggles to maintain the same level of engagement. The narrative gradually loses momentum and fails to present the emotional beats effectively.
The film struggles to create a strong emotional connection with the audience, resulting in a flat and at times dull story. Some of the emotional arcs feel underdeveloped and inconsistent, making parts of the story feel clichéd.
Furthermore, the film seems to drag at places due to pacing issues and inconsistent editing. In a rare misstep, Sushin Shyam’s music doesn’t leave the desired impact, lacking the usual depth and memorability.
Display
Mammootty dominates the first half, and drives the narrative with a grounded and compelling performance. His portrayal makes the character relatable and likable without relying on gimmicks.
However, Mohanlal emerges as a scene-stealer. Like his co-star, he keeps his performance subtle and effortless, reinforcing why both the actors remain relevant across generations.
Fahadh Faasil While playing a relatively straightforward role with ease, Kunchacko Boban demonstrates his versatility beyond his previous romantic-hero image. Nayanthara also gives a solid performance within the scope of her role.
Watch the Patriot Trailer
Decision
The Patriot was never intended to be a commercial entertainer, and it doesn’t even try to be one. This is a content-driven film where the stars turn into characters rather than dominating the narrative.
Despite inconsistencies in pacing and emotional depth, the film remains a fascinating watch, especially for those looking forward to seeing Mammootty and the like. Mohanlal Share screen again after years
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Pinkvilla. Any statements made in this article are not intended to defame, harm, or discredit any person or entity.
Also read: Patriot Twitter review: 9 tweets worth reading before deciding to watch Mohanlal and Mammootty’s adventure