In an era where a single click on a smartphone can lead to a thousand traps—from virtual arrests to fake online loans—director Mahesh Narayanan returns with a gripping, high-stakes thriller, ‘Patriot.’ The film transcends the boundaries of a typical commercial entertainer to provide a haunting glimpse into a future where privacy is dead and corporate giants hold the keys to our lives.
The Plot: A Social Credit Nightmare
The film introduces us to the formidable duo of JP Sundar (Rajiv Menon), a powerful Union Minister, and his son Shakti Sundar (Fahadh Faasil), a corporate titan. Exploiting government policies, Shakti’s company gains control over the nation’s entire surveillance network. In this dystopian reality, every citizen is assigned a “social media score” based on their online activity. This score dictates their daily life—even the ability to buy basic rations. Dissent against the government leads to immediate digital exile and starvation.
Standing against this systemic oppression is Dr. Daniel James (Mammootty), a brilliant former Scientific Director of the Defense Research Wing. Branded a traitor for his defiance, Daniel embarks on a lonely, dangerous crusade to reclaim the privacy of the common man.
Technical Brilliance and Global Scale
Mahesh Narayanan, who also handled the screenplay, dialogue, and editing, has crafted “world-building” is meticulously detailed, with a geography spanning the UK, the Gulf, and Sri Lanka, lending the production an international flair.
The technical departments—Cinematography, Art (led by Jibin Jacob), and Music—work in perfect harmony to elevate the storytelling. Despite its three-hour runtime, the film maintains a relentless pace, especially in its stylized action sequences.
Powerhouse Performances
The highlight of ‘Patriot’ is the historic reunion of legends Mammootty and Mohanlal after 18 years.
- Mammootty delivers a nuanced performance as Daniel James, capturing the character’s external grit and internal complexity. His “Plane Fight” sequence is already being hailed as a theatrical highlight.
- Mohanlal appears in the second half, and though his screen time is limited to about 25 minutes, he shifts the film’s energy entirely. Eschewing superhuman tropes, he plays a grounded, realistic character that leaves a lasting impact, particularly in the “Lift Fight” scene.
- Fahadh Faasil shines as the cold, calculating corporate villain Shakti Sundar, while Rajiv Menon surprises with a powerful portrayal of a multi-corporate politician.
- Kunchacko Boban holds his own as Michael Devasya, a character with intriguing shades.
The film also boasts a stellar supporting cast, including a surprise appearance by Nayanthara, alongside Revathi, Darshana Rajendran, and Indrans.
The Verdict
‘Patriot’ is not just a fan-service vehicle like Twenty:20; it is a sophisticated warning about the impending threats of the digital age. Mahesh Narayanan successfully simplifies complex technological concepts for the layperson while maintaining the intensity of a political thriller. It is a bold, relevant, and technically superior film that challenges the audience to look twice at the screens in their pockets.
