Review: ‘Patriot’ – A Brave, Tech-Driven Thriller Powered by Icons
In Mahesh Narayanan’s Patriot, the long-awaited reunion of legends Mammootty and Mohanlal is sparked by an almost archaic mode of communication. It’s a poetic choice; it nods to the vintage legacy of the two stars while grounding a film deeply obsessed with the terrifying modernity of digital mass surveillance. Nearly two decades after their last collaboration, the duo returns to a world where “Big Brother” isn’t just watching—he’s everywhere.
The Premise: Tools of the State vs. Tools of the Story
Bucking the trend of “superstar vehicles,” Narayanan uses his leads as instruments for a socio-political message rather than bending the script to serve their fanbases.
- The Conflict: Daniel James (Mammootty), a high-ranking Union ministry official, stumbles upon a sinister surveillance network orchestrated by Minister J.P. Sundaram (Rajiv Menon) and his tech-magnate son, Shakthi (Fahadh Faasil).
- The Stakes: Thrust into a life on the run, Daniel must navigate a world where every toll gate, ID card, and smartphone is a potential snitch.
Film Credits
- Director: Mahesh Narayanan
- Cast: Mammootty, Mohanlal, Revathi, Nayanthara, Kunchacko Boban, Fahadh Faasil, Darshana Rajendran, Zarin Shihab, Rajiv Menon
- Runtime: 181 minutes
- Music: Sushin Syam
Breaking Down the Digital Cage
The film excels at making complex tech fears digestible. Narayanan weaves the dangers of surveillance into the mundane:
- A “mock” phone review on Daniel’s vlog.
- The strategic avoidance of highway cameras.
- The chilling weaponization of universal identity cards.
While some of these beats might feel elementary to the tech-literate, they serve the film’s broad reach perfectly. More importantly, the script takes a sharp jab at the “I have nothing to hide” crowd, exposing the naivety of supporting unchecked state eyes.
Star Power vs. Substance
For fans expecting a high-octane “mass” masala, Patriot might be a sobering experience.
The Icons: Mammootty carries the film with gravitas, while Mohanlal’s role is essentially an extended cameo. Their interaction is serious and plot-driven, leaving little room for the playful banter fans might crave.
Missed Opportunities: The car chase—though visually impressive—ends somewhat tamely. Furthermore, the underutilization of powerhouses like Revathi and Nayanthara feels like a missed beat, though Zarin Shihab, Darshana Rajendran, and Kunchacko Boban deliver solid performances.
The Antagonist: Rajiv Menon (in a clever nod to Harikrishnans) provides a chillingly grounded portrayal of political malice alongside an intense Fahadh Faasil.
The Verdict
The final act feels somewhat rushed and adheres to a predictable “whistleblower” template, lacking the nuance found in the film’s first half. However, the production values are world-class, and Sushin Syam’s understated score perfectly complements the tension.
Ultimately, Patriot is a brave anomaly in the current Indian cinematic landscape. It centers on a “dissident” protagonist and refuses to look away from a pertinent global crisis. It may not be the “fan service” movie many expected, but it is the urgent, engaging thriller the genre needed.
