Mahesh Narayanan shares updates on Mammootty-Mohanlal’s Patriot, period film with Salman Khan | Exclusive

In the past few weeks, Malayalam filmmaker Mahesh Narayanan, who had earlier helmed Take Off and CU Soon, has been attached to two mega projects - a biopic of former Indian F1 racer Narain Karthikeyan and a period film with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan . All this while fans have been waiting with bated breath for updates on his current project Patriot, which has superstars Mammootty, Mohanlal, Nayanthara and Fahadh Faasil as part of the cast.

In an exclusive chat with OTTplay, the Maalik director opened up about the three big projects that he is part of. The first of which is big-budget Malayalam thriller Patriot. The movie has already completed several schedules in the UAE, Sri Lanka and different parts of India.

Mahesh Narayanan: About 65% of Patriot shoot is done

“We are currently shooting in Ladakh,” he tells us. “About 65-70% of the film’s shoot is done. After this schedule, we are hoping to resume by the second half of September.” Most of its pending portions will be shot in the UK as well as in sets in Kerala. Patriot cast also includes Kunchacko Boban and Darshana Rajendran.

Earlier, there were reports that Mohanlal had completed his portions of the film. Mahesh, however, says, “He still has about 20 more days of shoot left.” Mammootty, who has already shot for 45 days for the movie, is expected to resume in the next schedule.

‘The Narain Karthikeyan biopic has been in the pipeline’

Ask Mahesh about his other two big projects and he says, “The Narain Karthikeyan movie has been in the works for quite some time now. I am attached to the project only as a director, so I can’t really reveal its timeline or the actor who will be playing the lead.”

The Tamil film, which has the working title NK 370, will be scripted by Soorarai Pottru writer Shalini Usha Devi and will chronicle the journey of India’s first F1 driver - “his rise from a rebellious boy in Coimbatore to the international racing circuit to reach Formula One’s pinnacle”, according to Variety. The movie is eagerly anticipated as it was also announced during a time when Hollywood movie F1 turned out to be a blockbuster in Indian markets as well.

‘Salman Khan and I have had discussions for a film’

Meanwhile, Mahesh is also attached to a Salman Khan action-thriller, which reportedly spans from the 1970s to 1990s. The filmmaker says, “We have wanted to collaborate on a film and have had multiple discussions. You will get to know when the production house makes the official announcement.”

For now, the Ariyippu director says that his focus will solely be on completing the shoot of the Mammootty and Mohanlal-starrer. Patriot's budget is already touted to make it the most expensive Malayalam movie and the team hopes it will be a big draw at the box office when it releases in theatres in 2026.

FAQs

Q. What is the title of MMMN - Mohanlal and Mammootty's film with Mahesh Narayanan?

A. Mohanlal, in an interview, during the second schedule in Sri Lanka revealed that the movie is titled Patriot. The team, however, is yet to reveal the first look poster from the movie. 

Q. When is Mohanlal and Mammootty movie Patriot releasing?

A. Mahesh Narayanan, in an interview with OTTplay in August 2025, stated that only 65% of the shoot has been completed. The team is expected to wrap up its remaining portions in the UK and India, and set it up for a festive release in 2026. 

Q. Is Fahadh Faasil and Asif Ali part of Mammootty's Patriot?

A. Fahadh Faasil is part of Patriot. Asif Ali was initially cast in the movie, but had to withdraw due to date conflicts. The film went on floors in the end of 2024, but had to face multiple delays due to Mammootty's health.