Malayalam cinema’s biggest onscreen reunion in recent years is now heading to OTT. The makers of Patriot, starring Mammootty and Mohanlal, announced on Friday that the spy thriller will begin streaming on ZEE5 from June 5. Written and directed by Mahesh Narayanan, the film brought Mammootty and Mohanlal together on screen after nearly 18 years, making it one of the most anticipated Malayalam releases of the year.
Released theatrically on May 1, Patriot opened strongly at the box office, largely fuelled by the excitement surrounding the return of the two superstars in a full-fledged feature film. Audiences had been eagerly waiting to watch Mammootty and Mohanlal share screen space again after Twenty:20, and the anticipation translated into packed theatres during the film’s opening weekend across Kerala and overseas markets.
As the theatrical run progressed, however, the film sparked mixed reactions among viewers. While many appreciated the film’s ambition and scale, others felt its pacing and layered storytelling style made it less accessible than a conventional commercial entertainer. Despite the divided opinions, the performances and technical quality of the film earned praise from a section of audiences and critics alike.
A political thriller centred on surveillance and conspiracy
Patriot revolves around Daniel James, played by Mammootty, a senior scientific adviser who discovers the misuse of a sophisticated spyware programme connected to a wider political and corporate conspiracy. As Daniel begins investigating the operation, he uncovers a dangerous surveillance network with far-reaching consequences.
Mohanlal plays Rahim, a former military operative who joins forces with Daniel in an attempt to expose the system behind the conspiracy. Blending investigative drama with espionage thriller elements, the film explores themes of digital surveillance, abuse of power and political manipulation.
Mahesh Narayanan, known for films such as Take Off, CU Soon, Malik and Ariyippu, mounted Patriot on a much larger scale compared to his earlier works. The filmmaker had earlier described the project as an attempt to merge grounded political storytelling with mainstream cinematic appeal.
The film also features Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, Revathy, Darshana Rajendran, Geethi Sangeetha, Zarin Shihab and Grace Antony in important roles.
Performances and technical craft remain key talking points
Even among viewers who were critical of certain aspects of the screenplay, the film’s technical execution drew consistent appreciation. Mammootty’s restrained performance as Daniel James and Mohanlal’s understated portrayal of Rahim became major talking points following the release.
The film’s music was composed by Sushin Shyam, whose background score added to the tension and mood of the thriller. Cinematography was handled by Manush Nandan, while editing duties were jointly shared by Mahesh Narayanan and Rahul Radhakrishnan.
With its OTT release now confirmed, Patriot is expected to find a wider audience on streaming, particularly among viewers who missed its theatrical run and those curious about the Mammootty-Mohanlal reunion that dominated conversations around Malayalam cinema this year.
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