Patriot arrives with the tremendous weight of expectation, uniting two icons of Indian cinema, Mammootty and Mohanlal, in a sleek, contemporary espionage thriller. Directed by Mahesh, the film ambitiously tackles themes of national security, data privacy, and political corruption. While its visual flair and high-concept premise promise a gripping experience, the final product is a frustrating tale of unfulfilled potential, where a poorly conceived story fails to keep pace with its stylish execution.
The Story
Dr. Daniel James (Mammootty), a scientific advisor for the government, discovers that Periscope—a powerful spyware he helped create for national security—is being weaponized for personal gain. The culprit is political heavyweight JP Sundaram (Rajiv Menon), who plans to license the technology to a private firm owned by his ambitious son, Shakthi (Fahadh Faasil). Branded a traitor for trying to expose them, Daniel is forced underground. His quest for justice leads him to an unexpected ally, Colonel Rahim Naik (Mohanlal), as they race to prevent the dangerous misuse of Periscope.
Performances
The cast is uniformly excellent, often rising above the material they are given. Mammootty delivers a reliably anchored performance as Daniel, playing him as a determined everyman rather than a super-spy. Mohanlal, though entering the fray later, brings an effortless and captivating swagger to Colonel Naik, making a strong case for a standalone spin-off with his limited screen time.
The true scene-stealer, however, is Fahadh Faasil. As the antagonist Shakthi, he is utterly compelling. In one standout flashback scene aboard a malfunctioning aircraft, he conveys sheer terror and resolve solely through his eyes, despite wearing an oxygen mask. Even when the writing lets his character down, his menacing presence remains potent. Supporting actresses Zarin Shihab and Darshana Rajendran also deliver strong performances, though their characters are frustratingly underdeveloped and sidelined as the plot progresses.
Behind the Lens
Visually, Patriot strives for an international feel and largely succeeds. Cinematographer Manush Nadan crafts a clean, stylish look devoid of the dim lighting and artificial color grading common to the genre. The action sequences, particularly a claustrophobic elevator fight and an aircraft-set piece, are expertly choreographed and filmed. The use of sync sound, however, is occasionally inconsistent, making some dialogues hard to decipher.
Director Mahesh deserves credit for his disciplined approach. He avoids the typical tropes of mainstream Indian cinema, building the narrative slowly over its three-hour runtime to establish its world and stakes. The plot is indeed the central focus, but this methodical pacing ultimately exposes the script’s fundamental weaknesses, leaving a story that feels more functional than thrilling.
The film’s most significant failing lies in its script. The writing is mediocre, lacking the dramatic depth and sharp dialogue needed to elevate the high-stakes premise. Interesting characters are introduced only to be left floating without purpose, and the central dynamic between Mammootty and Mohanlal feels underexplored. The narrative also suffers from an identity crisis, uncertain whether it wants to be a socio-political drama or a straight-up thriller, leading to a chaotic and overly convenient final act that betrays the grounded tone established earlier.
Final Verdict
Patriot is a film of stark contrasts. It is technically proficient, visually stylish, and features masterful performances from its stellar cast. Yet, it is ultimately undone by a hollow and poorly written script that lacks soul and emotional resonance. It serves as a pertinent cautionary tale about digital privacy but fails to become the compelling cinematic experience it strives to be. This is a classic case of style over substance, making it a disappointing, albeit handsome, misfire.
