In the run up to the theatrical release of director Mahesh Narayanan 's Patriot, which hit theatres on May 1, it was reported that they had gone ahead with the theatrical outing without confirming satellite and digital deals. Turns out, that was not true. The makers had secured deals.
Patriot, which is a Mammootty-led spy thriller, with Fahadh Faasil as antagonist and Mohanlal, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, Rajiv Menon, Revathy, Darshana Rajendran, among others also on the cast, has been picked up by Zee5 Malayalam for its satellite and digital rights. There is no confirmed timeline on when the film will begin streaming, given that exhibitors across the south have been clamouring for an 8-week window, as against the current 4 week for most films.
Mohanlal and Mammootty in Patriot
The film, meanwhile, opened to mixed reviews, with praise galore for the subject, while Mahesh ‘s handling of it was deemed the issue, especially in the second half of the narrative. Moreover, despite the team’s repeated assertion that the ensemble cast was character driven and not based on the star value each brought in, audiences questioned the casting of the likes of Nayanthara and Revathy, among others.
Patriot follows Daniel James, a high ranking scientific officer attached to the national defence wing, who is forced to flee the country after he objects to the distribution of a surveillance programme developed by his department to a private corporation. Branded a traitor, Daniel has to prove his innocence and let the country know the harm that the programme does in the hands of private companies.
