Kochi: Patriot, directed by Mahesh Narayanan, brings together two legends of Malayalam cinema—Mammootty and Mohanlal—after more than a decade, delivering a film that thrives on performances even as its narrative falters.
A gripping premise rooted in modern realities
Patriot is a cyber thriller that explores themes of power, politics and the influence of digital media in shaping public opinion.
Mammootty plays Daniel James, a former scientific adviser turned vlogger known as “Vimathan” (dissident), who seeks to expose corrupt politician JP Sundaram and his son Shakti Sundaram, played by Rajiv Menon and Fahadh Faasil respectively.
Framed and forced into exile, Daniel relocates to London but continues his mission. His sudden disappearance during an international YouTubers’ meet sets off the central conflict, drawing in Lt Rahim Malik (Mohanlal), a close associate determined to uncover the truth.
Social commentary hits the mark
One of the film’s strengths lies in its commentary on the digital age.
Through Vimathan’s journey, the narrative critiques the growing obsession with social media validation and the manipulation of public perception by those in power. A poignant line in the film likens modern society to a “human farm”, highlighting how people are controlled through digital influence.
Director Mahesh Narayanan successfully taps into contemporary anxieties, making the film relevant and thought-provoking.
Performances elevate the film
The film’s biggest strength is undoubtedly its lead actors.
Mammootty delivers a restrained and layered performance, stepping away from his usual swagger to portray a vulnerable yet determined dissident. His transformation into an ageing whistleblower is both convincing and compelling.
Mohanlal, as Lt Rahim Malik, brings intensity and quiet authority. His ability to convey emotion through subtle expressions and minimal dialogue stands out, reaffirming his stature as one of Indian cinema’s finest actors.
Their shared screen moments are among the highlights, offering a masterclass in acting that keeps audiences engaged.
Supporting cast and characters
Fahadh Faasil fits seamlessly into his role as the antagonist, bringing nuance to a character that could have otherwise felt one-dimensional.
The film also features Kunchacko Boban in a brief yet important role.
However, the female characters—including Nayanthara, Revathi, and others—are underwritten and fail to leave a lasting impact.
Narrative struggles and pacing issues
Despite its strong premise, Patriot struggles with pacing.
The first half is slow, taking time to establish the plot without generating enough tension. The second half, meanwhile, loses momentum, with the narrative lacking the sharpness needed to sustain engagement.
The antagonists are not as formidable as expected, and the central conflict feels familiar, reducing the film’s overall impact.
Technical aspects
The film scores well on production values.
- Cinematography by Manush Nandan adds visual depth
- Background score by Sushin Shyam supports the narrative
- Editing by Mahesh Narayanan and Rahul Ramakrishna, however, could have been tighter
While technically sound, the film could have benefited from sharper editing to address its pacing concerns.
Conclusion
Patriot ultimately stands as an acting showcase for Mammootty and Mohanlal rather than a tightly written thriller.
While the film raises important questions about power, media and society, its uneven screenplay prevents it from reaching its full potential.
For fans of the two legends, however, the film offers enough memorable moments to make it worth a watch.