I just walked out of the theater and my mind is still racing. Three hours flew by like it was nothing. Honestly, I wasn't expecting to be this invested—my friend dragged me along, and I went in thinking, 'Another political thriller, great.' But by the interval, I was literally gripping the armrest. The climax left me with a lump in my throat and a weird mix of anger and awe. I need to talk about this with someone who gets it.
🎬 Watch the Official Trailer
What's Patriot About?
So the movie follows this popular Malayali YouTuber who decides to expose a corrupt regional politician in Kerala. He digs up all this dirt, but then the politician turns the tables—falsely accusing him of crimes and forcing him to go on the run. It's a classic cat-and-mouse chase, but layered with social media politics and family drama. Think 'A Wednesday' meets 'Drishyam' with a modern twist.
What Works in Patriot
- ✓ The cast is insane. Mammootty as the politician is chilling—he barely raises his voice but you feel his menace. Mohanlal has this one scene where he just smiles, and the whole theater went silent.
- ✓ Fahadh Faasil as the YouTuber is a revelation. His panic feels real, not overacted. I actually forgot I was watching a movie during his chase sequence through the Kochi market.
- ✓ The pacing is brutal in a good way. Every 20 minutes there's a new twist that makes you rethink everything. No boring filler scenes.
- ✓ The soundtrack by Gopi Sundar is understated but perfect. That one recurring theme when the protagonist is alone—haunting.
What Doesn't Work
- ✗ The runtime is 180 minutes. I'm not gonna lie, my back hurt by the end. Could've trimmed 20 minutes from the middle portion.
- ✗ Some of the supporting characters feel like cardboard cutouts—especially the politician's son. He just shows up to be angry.
- ✗ The climax wraps up a bit too neatly. I wanted more moral ambiguity, but they went for a crowd-pleasing ending.
Standout Moments & Performances
There's this moment where the YouTuber is hiding in a crowded temple festival. He's covered in ash, trying to blend in, and the camera just stays on his trembling hands for like two minutes. I could feel his heart pounding through the screen. Then there's the scene where Nayanthara's character—his wife—confronts him over the phone. Her voice cracks, and I actually teared up. And the final confrontation in the politician's office? I won't spoil it, but let's just say I gasped out loud. The director knows how to build tension without cheap jump scares.
Main Cast: Mammootty, Mohanlal, Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara
Direction, Music & Visuals
Mahesh Narayanan proves again why he's one of the best working today. The way he uses long takes—especially in the chase sequences—makes you feel like you're running alongside the protagonist. The cinematography by Sanu Varghese is gorgeous; the Kerala backdrops are lush but never distract from the tension. The editing is sharp, though I'd still argue it could be tighter. Performances are top-notch across the board. Mammootty and Mohanlal share a scene that's just them staring at each other, and it's more gripping than any action set piece. Fahadh brings vulnerability that anchors the whole film. The music is subtle, barely there, and that works.
Director: Mahesh Narayanan
Who Should Watch Patriot?
If you love political thrillers like 'Drishyam' or 'A Wednesday', this is your jam. Also, anyone who enjoys slow-burn tension with a social media angle—it's very 2026. Malayalam cinema fans will lose their minds over the cast. And if you're into movies that make you think about power and corruption, definitely watch it.
Who Might Want to Skip?
If you're looking for a fast-paced action flick with explosions every 10 minutes, skip this. It's a slow burn that demands patience. Also, if you hate movies where the hero is constantly on the run and barely winning, you might find it frustrating. And kids? Definitely not for them—there's some intense psychological violence.
Final Verdict
I walked out thinking this is one of the better Malayalam thrillers in recent years. It's not perfect—the length and some clichéd side characters hold it back—but the core story and performances are stellar. Would I watch it again? Probably, just to catch the nuances I missed. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys a smart, tense drama with a social conscience. It's not a masterpiece, but it's damn close for what it tries to do. And that cast? Pure gold.
