Suresh Gopi, not Mohanlal, was initially first choice for cameo in Patriot

Kochi: Patriot, one of Mollywood’s most awaited films of 2026, is set to hit theatres on May 1, bringing together some of the industry's biggest stars. But what many didn’t know is that Suresh Gopi was originally considered for the cameo role, not Mohanlal.

While rumours had circulated about Suresh Gopi being the first choice, the confirmation came directly from Patriot producer Subhash George Manuel during a press meet in Kochi on Friday. Manuel, from Kichappu Films, which is funding the high-budget movie in association with Anto Joseph Film Company, shared that when Mahesh Narayanan first pitched the story, discussions centered on casting Suresh Gopi for the cameo.

The press event, attended by Mahesh Narayanan, Mammootty, Kunchacko Boban, Darshana Rajendran, Zarin Shihab, and Grace Antony, was missing Mohanlal, who was in the US for a stage show. Mammootty revealed in a recent interview that it was he who suggested Mohanlal's name when the makers decided they needed a prominent actor from the North for the role. Reports indicate that the character underwent significant changes during the writing process, evolving into a larger-than-life role in the final stages.

Interestingly, Mohanlal and Nayanthara were among the last to join the ensemble cast. At the press meet, actress Grace Antony shared a heartwarming story about how she landed her role in the film. While visiting the sets to meet Mammootty, Mahesh Narayanan noticed her and asked if she’d be interested in a part. "I said yes," Grace recalled. Later, producer Anto Joseph reminded Mammootty about Mahesh's suggestion, and Mammootty was confident Grace could pull it off.