An almost archaic communication method takes center stage when the characters played by Mammootty and Mohanlal first make contact in Mahesh Narayanan’s Patriot, well into the film’s second half. The two superstars are tools for this socio-political endeavour rather than the screenplay being in service of their star aura.
The film revolves around mass digital surveillance, a theme that feels increasingly urgent. And for that reason alone, Patriot is a brave film.
The Plot
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Protagonist | Daniel James (Mammootty), a top-level government employee |
| Antagonists | Minister J.P. Sundaram (Rajiv Menon) and his corporate honcho son Shakthi (Fahadh Faasil) |
| Core Conflict | Daniel uncovers a nefarious surveillance system and is forced to go on the run |
Daniel James (Mammootty), a top-level employee in a Union government ministry, gets a hint of a nefarious surveillance system involving a minister and his corporate honcho son. He is forced to go on the run to protect himself and uncover the truth.
What Works
| Aspect | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Brave Theme | Questions mass surveillance; features a “dissident” as the central protagonist |
| Engaging Narrative | Enough twists and turns to keep one engaged for a good part |
| Accessible Treatment | Breaks down surveillance issues into digestible pieces for a wider audience |
| Performances | Mammootty carries the film; Fahadh Faasil and Kunchacko Boban have solid roles |
| Production Values | High-quality; Mahesh Narayanan ups Malayalam cinema’s game |
| Music | Sushin Syam’s understated score fits well with the film’s theme |
Rather than painting the issue of surveillance in broad strokes, the screenplay breaks it down as digestible pieces peppered all over the narrative.
The current context and the neat stepping away from these issues in most film industries make this a brave film. It is not often that a questioning “dissident” gets the central role in an Indian film these days.
What Doesn’t Work
| Aspect | Critique |
|---|---|
| Predictability | The narrative has a predictable air about it |
| Minimal Screen Time | Revathi and Nayanthara are disappointingly underused |
| Last Act | Felt rushed and followed familiar templates |
| Mohanlal’s Role | An extended cameo with an abrupt end |
| Car Chase Sequence | Ends tamely; more could have been done |
The last act seemed a bit rushed and followed familiar templates, unlike the nuanced takes in the earlier part of the film. Diehard fans looking for high moments might leave the theatre without their expectations fully satisfied.
The Performances
- Mammootty: Gets a character that literally carries the film
- Fahadh Faasil: Solid role as the corporate heir
- Kunchacko Boban: Solid role
- Rajiv Menon: Embodies the inherent evilness of his character
- Mohanlal: Extended cameo (plays second fiddle to Mammootty)
- Revathi & Nayanthara: Disappointingly underused
- Zarin Shihab & Darshana Rajendran: Get a better deal
The Verdict
Despite its predictable narrative, Patriot is an engaging and even brave film on a pertinent issue. High production values have been the trademark of Mahesh Narayanan’s films, and in Patriot, he ups his as well as Malayalam cinema’s game.
It is not often that a questioning “dissident” gets the central role in an Indian film these days. For that alone, Patriot deserves to be watched.
