Director Mahesh Narayanan's film Patriot, a multi-starrer that sees Mammootty and Mohanlal reuniting after many years, has opened in theatres, and audiences have started posting their verdicts on social media.
Fans and even the film fraternity have been eagerly awaiting the collaboration between Mohanlal and Mammootty. The two last shared the screen in 2013's Kadal Kadannu Oru Maathukutty, where Mohanlal played himself in a cameo. However, they starred in more important roles way back in 2008, which was director Joshiy's multistarrer Twenty:20.
Audiences sharing their reviews of Patriot are a little disappointed about Mohanlal's limited screen space. While some have called it a "one-time watch", some others have recommended the film as a theatrical watch for its multi-starrer cast.
One user wrote about the film lacking high moments. Average, one-time watchable. Quality frames, locations, and actors' performance Good. BGM average. High moments are very few."
Giving it a clean 4/5 rating, another user wrote, "Powerful patriotic story with great performances. Mammootty commands as the hero, while Mohanlal elevates every scene with brilliant characterisation and screen presence. Kubo and Fahadh deliver strong support. BGM and music hit the right notes."
On why the film is average, a user penned a detailed note. It read, "Patriot Review – A decent, engaging thriller. The first half takes time to settle with the premise. The raciness starts by interval. What's intriguing? Not the star cast, but the brilliancy of director Mahesh Narayan in handling both superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal efficiently – the latter being a cameo, though. Nayanthara has just 3 scenes but is good. Fahadh Faasil as Baddie gets more scope only in the last two scenes. Kunchako Boban is good. Sushin Shyam's BGM, cinematography and editing are big pluses. Overall, a good stylish thriller. Worth a theatrical watch."
A user gave a very negative review and called Patriot an example for how other industries must not make a multi-starrer. "Patriot. Other industries should take notes on how not to make a big film with 2 stars. Mohanlal was laughable, and his cameo was terrible, and Mammootty sir had 0 scope to perform. Ban the overrated clown Mahesh Narayanan from Mollywood. Poor Fahadh Fassil, comedy villain. Worst."
A user who enjoyed the film penned a detailed review. "Patriot Review – BLOCKBUSTER. Patriot is not just a film...it's a historic cinematic event. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, this espionage thriller reunites the titans Mammootty and Mohanlal after nearly two decades, and the result is pure fire. Mammootty delivers a hauntingly restrained performance as Dr Daniel James, while Mohanlal commands the screen with effortless intensity as Col. Rahim Naik. Together, they create magic subtle, explosive, and unforgettable. Fahadh Faasil adds a sharp, unpredictable edge, while Nayanthara, Kunchacko Boban, and Revathy strengthen the film with powerful support."
Besides the two Big M's of Malayalam cinema, the film also stars Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, Revathy, Rajiv Menon, Darshana Rajendran, and Grace Antony, among others. Produced by Anto Joseph along with KG Anil Kumar, the film has music by Sushin Shyam, cinematography by Manush Nandan, with editing handled jointly by Mahesh and Rahul Radhakrishnan.