Review
Mahesh Narayanan's 'Patriot' is a sprawling, 177-minute thriller that attempts to weave personal paranoia with political conspiracy, anchored by a cast that borders on the mythical for Malayalam cinema. The film follows a DRW analyst, played with weary intensity by Fahadh Faasil, who stumbles upon a spyware scandal involving a powerful regional politician. Forced on the run, he adopts the persona of a vlogger to expose the truth and clear his name. The premise is timely, and the first hour crackles with the kind of tense, procedural detail that Narayanan excels at. The cinematography by Amal Neerad is gritty and handheld, trapping the audience in the protagonist's claustrophobic reality. The action sequences are brutal and grounded, a far cry from the balletic violence typical of the genre. However, the film's ambition is also its Achilles' heel. The middle act sags under the weight of exposition, and the vlogging conceit, while clever, occasionally feels like a crutch to deliver information. The performances are uniformly strong: Mammootty brings a chilling gravitas to the villain, Mohanlal has a brief but magnetic cameo, and Nayanthara provides solid support as a conflicted journalist. Kunchacko Boban is surprisingly effective in a layered role. The musical score by Sushin Shyam is pulsating, though it sometimes overpowers quieter moments. 'Patriot' is a film that asks important questions about surveillance and truth, but its runtime and narrative sprawl dilute its impact.
Pros
- ✓Fahadh Faasil delivers a career-best performance, capturing the character's descent from composed analyst to desperate fugitive with subtle physicality and shifting vocal tones.
- ✓The first hour is a masterclass in building tension, using long takes and minimal dialogue to create a palpable sense of dread.
- ✓The action choreography is refreshingly realistic; a chase through a fish market is visceral and chaotic, avoiding the usual slickness.
Cons
- ✗The 177-minute runtime is excessive; the middle section drags with repetitive scenes of the protagonist recording vlogs, which could have been trimmed by 20 minutes.
- ✗The villain's motivations are underdeveloped, reducing a potentially complex character to a mustache-twirling archetype despite Mammootty's best efforts.
'Patriot' is a flawed but ambitious thriller that aims high and mostly hits its targets. It's a film that rewards patience with a gripping first act and standout performances, especially from Fahadh Faasil, who carries the emotional weight. The political commentary is sharp, but the bloated runtime and a saggy middle prevent it from being the masterpiece it could have been. If you're a fan of slow-burn conspiracy dramas with a Malayalam flavor, this is worth your time. The final act, while a bit rushed, delivers a satisfying payoff that ties the themes together. It's not for everyone—those expecting a fast-paced actioner will be disappointed—but for viewers who appreciate character-driven narratives and social critique, 'Patriot' offers a lot to chew on. A solid, if imperfect, addition to the genre.
🎯 Who Should Watch
Fans of political thrillers, Malayalam cinema enthusiasts, and viewers who appreciate slow-burn narratives with strong performances.
⭐ Standout Elements
The raw, handheld cinematography and Fahadh Faasil's transformative performance as a man losing his grip on reality.
🎬 Overall Impact
A must-watch film that delivers on both entertainment and emotional depth.
📽️ This film represents strong filmmaking that deserves your attention.
About the Reviewer
Rajesh Kumar is a entertainment journalist with a passion for Indian cinema, covering Bollywood and South Indian films.
