How ‘Patriot’ is connected to the 1998 Mohanlal–Mammootty classic ‘Harikrishnans’

'Harikrishnans' became a very special film for Malayalam cinema lovers back in 1998. Directed by Fazil, the movie brought together Mohanlal and Mammootty as equal leads. Mohanlal played Hari and Mammootty played Krishnan. Both were lawyers. Both were smart and both were trying to solve a murder case while falling in love with the same woman, played by Juhi Chawla.



The film mixed many moods. It had suspense. It had comedy. It had romance. It also had strong supporting actors like Innocent, Nedumudi Venu, Cochin Haneefa, Jagadish, Maniyanpilla Raju, and others. Kunchacko Boban was also part of the film in a smaller but important role. For fans 'Harikrishnans' was not just a movie. It was a fun vibe. Seeing Mohanlal and Mammootty together like that was rare even then.

Patriot brings the past back quietly

Now in 2026 'Patriot' is bringing back those memories in a new way. 'Patriot' is a spy and political thriller directed by Mahesh Narayanan.




Mammootty plays a central role as Dr. Daniel James. Mohanlal appears as Col. Rahim Naik in a full-fledged and strong role and not just a cameo.



What excites fans the most is that Patriot once again brings Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Kunchacko Boban together.

Social media users have started calling them the “Harikrishnans trio.” Interestingly, the actor Rajiv Menon who played the role of Guptan in 'Harikrishnans', will be seen playing a major role in 'Patriot'.

Even though Patriot is very different in genre and style this reunion connects directly to Harikrishnans in people’s hearts. The film is set to release on April 23, 2026.

Same faces, new roles, new world

In 'Harikrishnans' Mammootty was Hari and Mohanlal was Krishnan. In Patriot their characters are very different. Mammootty’s Dr. Daniel James stands at the centre of the story. Mohanlal’s Col. Rahim Naik plays a key role that changes the direction of the film. Kunchacko Boban, who had a pivotal supporting role as Sudarshanan in Harikrishnans, now returns as Daniel in Patriot with much more weight.

'Patriot' also has a much larger cast. Fahadh Faasil, Nayanthara, Revathy, Darshana Rajendran, Zarin Shihab, Siddique, Renji Panicker, Prakash Belawadi, Danish Husain, Rajiv Menon, Sanal Aman, and others are part of this big setup.

A fun Shah Rukh Khan connection

There is also a fun indirect connection that fans are talking about. During Harikrishnans, Shah Rukh Khan was once discussed for a cameo as Meera’s fiancé. That idea was later dropped. Now Patriot again finds a light Shah Rukh Khan link.

Manush Nandan the senior cinematographer who worked on Shah Rukh Khan’s 'Dunki', is part of 'Patriot'. This marks his Malayalam cinema debut. While this is not a direct link on screen fans enjoy how history keeps looping back in small ways.

Why this reunion feels special

'Patriot' is not a sequel to 'Harikrishnans'. The stories are not connected. The characters are not the same. Still the emotional connection is strong. After 'Twenty:20' in 2008 this is the first time Mammootty and Mohanlal are sharing such important space again. And when Kunchacko Boban joins them memories from 1998 naturally return.

Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”