‘Patriot’ first half review: Mahesh Narayanan delivers a taut, no-frills spy thriller

Mahesh Narayanan, known for his intriguing films like Take Off and Malik, continues his creative momentum with his latest project, Patriot, which is billed as one of the most expensive Malayalam films ever made.

From the moment the trailer was released, it hinted that the film would explore complex social experiments that could put ordinary people’s lives at risk. Mahesh approaches this theme with maturity, avoiding unnecessary gimmicks and instead crafting a grounded, nuanced spy thriller.

Mammootty, who leads the film as Daniel James, brings a commanding screen presence, balancing intrigue and charisma with ease. His performance anchors the narrative, especially as the subject draws parallels with themes explored in international cinema. The film’s action sequences, particularly its flights and fights, are also a major highlight.

Supporting performances by Darshana Rajendran, Zarin Shihab, and Revathi add depth to the narrative. Each moment is further elevated by the background score from Sushin Shyam, who effectively blends tension and atmosphere through his music.

Despite the film’s layered storytelling, Mahesh ensures there are controlled “mass” moments that cater to Mammootty’s fans without disrupting the overall tone.