The upcoming Malayalam spy thriller Patriot, starring Mammootty and Mohanlal, may encounter delays in its April 23, 2026, release due to a disagreement over revenue sharing with theatres. The Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala has advised theatres against signing deals with the film. Producers are seeking intervention from the producers' association to resolve the issue.
The film Patriot, directed by Mahesh Narayanan and produced by Anto Joseph, marks the first on-screen collaboration between Mammootty and Mohanlal in several years. This big-budget espionage thriller features an ensemble cast including Kunchacko Boban, Fahadh Faasil, and Nayanthara, with shooting completed across locations in India and abroad.
According to reports from Malayalam news channels, including Manorama News, the production team requested a 60-40 revenue share in favour of the producers for the first two weeks of release. FEUOK producer K Vijayakumar described this demand as unacceptable, leading the organisation to direct theatres not to enter agreements with the film. This move effectively imposes a ban on Patriot's theatrical rollout, prompting calls for the producers' association to step in.
The development occurs amid a challenging year for Malayalam cinema, which has yet to produce a major box-office success in 2026, aside from limited hits like Chatha Pacha. Broader uncertainties in the industry are compounded by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East related to the US-Israel-Iran conflict, which have already affected other regional releases, such as the postponement of the Kannada film Toxic.
Upcoming Malayalam films include Aadu 3 on March 19, Mohanlal's Drishyam 3 on April 2, and Tovino Thomas' Pallichattambi on April 9. Patriot was anticipated as a significant April release, but the current impasse threatens its schedule.
