Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has addressed the mixed response to Patriot, defending his extended cameo in the Mahesh Narayanan directorial that released earlier this month. Despite divided audience opinions, the veteran actor explained what drew him to the espionage thriller.
Patriot hit screens on May 1, 2026. Mammootty leads the spy thriller, with Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, and several others in key roles. Mohanlal plays Colonel Rahim Naik in a crucial extended cameo.
Why Mohanlal Chose the Role
Mohanlal said he was attracted to Patriot because of its unique and unconventional storyline. The character offered him something different from his usual roles, which ultimately convinced him to accept the project.
The veteran actor described the role as one with “brilliant positioning.” He added, “I was not used just as an actor; they used me as a performer. It was a character I simply couldn’t say no to.”
The Mixed Audience Reaction
While defending the film, Mohanlal admitted the audience response has been divided. According to him, viewers often separate actors from the characters they portray. He felt that the limited runtime of his role may have prevented audiences from fully connecting emotionally with the character’s tragic conclusion.
The actor, who recently appeared in Athimanoharam first look as a mass police officer, also reflected on the unpredictable nature of cinema. In a recent interview, he called the success of films a “mystery formula” that cannot always be calculated beforehand.
About Patriot
Patriot is a spy thriller centered around a covert surveillance operation. The Mahesh Narayanan directorial reunites Mammootty and Mohanlal on screen after 17 years. Nayanthara, Revathi, and Darshana Rajendran also play important roles in the film, which has been generating discussion on social media since its release.
The actor is also set to appear alongside Nandamuri Balakrishna in Kurukshetra, the upcoming gangster drama directed by Vivek Athreya.
