Patriot: Mammootty-Mohanlal film release in trouble?

The upcoming film Patriot is one of the most-awaited Malayalam movies, especially because it brings veterans Mammootty and Mohanlal together on screen after a hiatus. Even as fans count down to the release date of the Mahesh Narayanan film on April 23, Malayalam news channels have reported that the spy thriller could be in trouble over the disagreement on theatre share distribution. Here’s what we know about the latest development

Is Patriot movie release in trouble

Patriot is set to release in theatres on April 23, 2026. Now, Malayalam news channels have reported that the film landed in trouble after the Patriot makers sought a higher ratio in the revenue sharing with theatres. Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEOUK) has directed the theatres not to sign a deal with the film, Manorama News has reported. This effectively puts a ban on the film's release, and now reports suggest that the producers' association will have to intervene in the issue.

Anto Joseph is producing the much-anticipated movie, which has the potential to turn out to be a box office hit. Quoting FEUOK producer K Vijayakumar, OnManorama reported that Anto requested a 60-40 share for the first two weeks, which the organisation terms as unacceptable.

Malayalam cinema is yet to see a blockbuster hit at the box office in 2026, with only a few films like Chatha Pacha making a mark at the ticket window. Apart from Mammootty and Mohanlal, Patriot also features Kunchacko Boban, Fahadh Faasil, and Nayanthara, among others. The star-studded ensemble cast is one of the highlights of the Mahesh Narayanan movie, which is touted to be an espionage thriller. The big-budget movie was shot across foreign and Indian locations.

The latest development comes even as uncertainty looms over the release of Malayalam films, amid the ongoing Middle East conflicts over the US-Israel-Iran war. Already, Kannada film Toxic has pulled out of the March 19 race, citing the tensions in the Middle East.

Also read: Yash's Toxic postponed! Middle East unrest forces delay, averting clash with Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar 2 

Which are the upcoming Malayalam releases

The next major release in Malayalam is Aadu 3, starring actor Jayasurya as Shaji Pappan, on March 19. The first big release in April is Mohanlal’s Drishyam 3 on April 2. Three weeks after Jeethu Joseph’s much-anticipated movie, Patriot is set to hit theatres which has now hit a roadblock. Tovino Thomas’ Pallichattambi is releasing on April 9.

Patriotic movie FAQs

Q. Who is the director of MMMN?

A. Mahesh Narayanan is the director of MMMN, which has officially been titled Patriot.

Q. What is the next movie of Mohanlal Mammootty?

A. The next movie of Mohanlal and Mammootty is Patriot.

Q. When will Patriot release?

A. The Malayalam movie Patriot will release in theatres on April 23, 2026.