06 May,2026 05:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mohanlal in Patriot (Pic/ Still from movie)
Mahesh Narayanan's Patriot hit theatres on May 1 amid massive anticipation, largely due to the on-screen reunion of Malayalam superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal. The film was expected to emerge as a major blockbuster, but upon release, it opened to mixed reviews from both fans and critics.
Even as the film continues to register decent box-office numbers, Mahesh Narayanan has now addressed some of the criticism surrounding the film.
In an interview with Media One days after the release, the filmmaker responded to fan disappointment over Mohanlal's character arc in the film.
Mohanlal appears in the second half of Patriot as a Colonel and close friend of Mammootty's scientist character. The character, who loses a leg during his service to the country, does not get a happy ending in the film, something that reportedly disappointed a section of fans.
When asked about the audience reaction, Mahesh revealed that Mohanlal himself was happy with the role.
"I had spoken to Lal sir about it. He watched the film in the US and really liked it. Even while dubbing, he had seen portions of his scenes and was happy with how it all shaped up. In fact, when I first approached him with the project, that particular aspect was one of the things he liked about the character. So I don't think he sees it that way at all," Mahesh said.
Fahadh Faasil's performance in the film has also become a major talking point online, with viewers sharing divided opinions across social media.
Addressing the criticism, Mahesh Narayanan defended the actor's portrayal.
"Fahadh has performed the character in his own complete way. The character is portrayed as someone with a troubled childhood. Fahadh is not a typical villain, there is a reason why he turns into one. You cannot set a fixed scale to measure a performance. Fahadh has performed very honestly. If people feel there is something wrong with that performance, then it could be my fault," Mahesh told Movie World Media.
Mammootty has now addressed the polarising response to the film for the first time during an event in Dubai.
"We are living in an era where privacy is increasingly lost, and Patriot addresses this relevant subject," the actor said.
He added, "There will be different views- good, bad, partly good, mostly good. Everyone is free to express their opinion as they feel. Whatever it is, you will form your own view, and that is what matters. Films are made with the intention of being enjoyed by all."
Patriot opened with a net collection of Rs 9.8 crore on its first day and added Rs 6.15 crore on Saturday, taking its two-day India net total to Rs 16.15 crore.
The film marks the reunion of Mohanlal and Mammootty on screen. The last time the two legends shared screen space in a full-length film was Twenty:20.
Patriot follows a retired JAG officer, played by Mammootty, who is wrongfully framed for espionage. Determined to clear his name and protect the nation, he embarks on a covert mission, joined by Mohanlal in a high-stakes operation.
