The coming together of Malayalam cinema’s two superstars, Mammootty and Mohanlal, after 18 years. A star-studded ensemble cast. A highly decorated crew. Mahesh Narayanan’s Patriot had many things going for it, and therefore expectations were high.
In an interview with The Hindu, the filmmaker opened up about what went into making the spy thriller, criticisms over Mohanlal’s cameo, and placing substance above style.
The Film: More Than Just Star Power
Patriot explores the dark side of digital surveillance, especially when it is used by corporates and those in power to monitor every movement of every citizen, to silence the voices of dissent.
At the centre of the story is Periscope , which hints at the controversies surrounding the use of foreign spyware on journalists, activists, and politicians in India.
Fighting against Periscope is a government servant, Daniel James (Mammootty), who is declared a dissident by the government. He turns whistleblower, operating from a foreign country through his YouTube channel, Vimathan.
Lending him support is his long-time friend, Col Rahim Naik (Mohanlal), a war veteran who lost a leg in action.
No Compromises, Thanks to the Stars
| Aspect | Mahesh Narayanan’s View |
|---|---|
| Star Power Advantage | Didn’t have to make compromises as a filmmaker |
| Creative Freedom | The reputation and trust from superstars allowed him to stay true to his vision |
| Substance vs Style | Placed substance above style |
Mahesh Narayanan emphasized that working with Mammootty and Mohanlal gave him the creative freedom to stay true to his vision without making compromises.
The Mammootty-Mohanlal Reunion
The film marks the reunion of the two icons after 18 years, which itself was a major talking point. However, Narayanan clarified that the film was never designed as a two-hero project; rather, the story demanded their presence in specific roles.
Addressing the Criticism
| Criticism | Director’s Response |
|---|---|
| Mohanlal’s cameo length | The film was not designed as a two-hero project |
| High Expectations | The story and roles dictated screen time, not star status |
Addressing criticisms over Mohanlal’s limited screen time (often described as an extended cameo), Narayanan explained that the film was never designed as a two-hero project. The story and the roles dictated the screen time, not the star status of the actors.
The Ensemble Cast
Patriot features a star-studded ensemble including:
- Kunchacko Boban
- Fahadh Faasil
- Nayanthara
- Darshana Rajendran
- Revathi
- Rajiv Menon
The Bigger Picture
With a highly decorated crew coming together for one of the most expensive movies in Malayalam, expectations were sky-high. Narayanan, however, remained focused on delivering a film that prioritised substance over spectacle.
