Mahesh Narayanan's film Patriot, reuniting Mammootty and Mohanlal, boasts a strong plot, compelling ideas, stunning visuals, and impeccable background music. It feels like a legacy project, though it largely avoids fan service. However, its serious and technical subject may not resonate widely due to a lack of strong emotional anchor beyond the central friendship.
Plot Overview
Patriot tells the story of Periscope, a spyware application that monitors ordinary citizens, spread by a company run by a minister's son. Senior government official Daniel James (Mammootty) sets out to expose the truth. Mohanlal plays a retired soldier in this dystopian narrative, which includes clear references to Animal Farm and George Orwell. It is a difficult story to tell, and Mahesh has done his best.
Performances
Mammootty carries the first half as Daniel James, with the audience hoping for a reunion. For patient viewers, the film rewards world-building and character development. Daniel's turn into a vlogger adds intrigue, and Mohanlal's delayed physical appearance deepens it. Mammootty delivers an exemplary performance, while Mohanlal, as Rahim Naik, looms large effectively. Mahesh proves he can present Mohanlal as 'mass' in any genre. Action sequences are charged, and confrontations, Sushin Shyam's background music, and smooth dialogues lift key moments. Manush Nandan's cinematography deserves praise.
Supporting Cast
Fahadh Faasil is in his element as Shakthi Sundaram, and Kunchacko Boban excels as Michael Devassy. Their characters are intertwined with mutual sentiments and calculations. When Fahadh's character says they built faith, not followers, it rings true for both characters and actors. Their interactions carry real-life undercurrents. Morbid talk is layered with philosophy before a thrilling car chase. The screenplay gets messy toward the end, but dynamics between couples, friends, and father-son find place in Mahesh's stellar writing. Female characters are treated with respect and agency; while not necessary, their gender matters given the settings.
Overall Assessment
When legends unite, expectations soar. The film falters in places but may satisfy cinephiles; whether it fully works for fans remains questionable. Patriot is a serious film with great performances, but it lacks an edge.
