Mahesh Narayanan on ‘Patriot’: I didn’t have to make compromises as a filmmaker because of the star power

The coming together of Malayalam cinema’s two superstars, Mammootty and Mohanlal, after 18 years. A star-studded ensemble cast with names like Kunchacko Boban, Fahadh Faasil, Nayanthara, Darshana Rajendran, Revathi and Rajiv Menon. A highly decorated crew coming together for one of the expensive movies in Malayalam. Mahesh Narayanan’s Patriot had many things going for it and therefore expectations were high.

The spy thriller explores the dark side of digital surveillance, especially when it is used by corporates and those in power to monitor each movement of every citizen, to silence the voices of dissent. In this case, it is Periscope, which, hints at the controversies surrounding the use of foreign spyware on journalists, activists, politicians, etc. in India. Fighting against Periscope is a government servant, Daniel James (Mammootty), who is declared a dissident by the government. He turns whistleblower, operating from a foreign country through his YouTube channel, Vimathan. Lending him support is his long-time friend, Col Rahim Naik (Mohanlal), a war veteran who lost a leg in action.