Mohanlal Backs Patriot Role Despite Split Fan Reactions

Mohanlal who is gearing up for his Drishyam 3 release has spoken about Patriot after the film got mixed reviews from fans. The Malayalam star played Colonel Rahim Naik in a special extended cameo. The spy thriller came to theatres on May 1, 2026. Mahesh Narayanan directed the film. Mammootty is the lead hero. Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, Revathi, and Darshana Rajendran also play big roles. Many people were excited to see Mammootty and Mohanlal together again after 17 years. But some fans felt Mohanlal’s part was too short.

Mohanlal said he picked Patriot because the story was fresh and different. He liked that the role was not like his regular films. He felt the team used him as a true performer, not just a star. He called the character’s place in the story brilliant. He said it was a role he could not say no to. The actor also shared that cinema success is always a mystery. He said no one can guess what will work before release. He recently showed his mass police look in Athimanoharam and that got huge buzz.

Patriot is about a secret spy mission and covert surveillance. The film has strong visuals and tight scenes. But the audience is divided. Some loved the thriller feel and the big star combo. Others said they wanted more of Mohanlal. The actor thinks the short screen time made it hard for people to feel the emotion of his character’s end.

Mohanlal concluded viewers often see actors and characters in separate ways. For now, Patriot keeps trending with mixed talk. Even with split opinions, the film started good debates about story and star roles.