'Patriot': Mammootty - Mohanlal film eyes Rs 8 cr opening; Prithviraj Sukumaran, Nivin Pauly and others show support

Mammootty and Mohanlal’s 'Patriot' is gearing up for a notable start at the box office. The film is directed by Mahesh Narayanan and is scheduled to release on May 1, 2026. Early trade estimates suggest a strong Day 1 performance.Many actors have shared their excitement on social media. Nivin Pauly reacted to the film on Instagram Stories. He wrote, "The last time they shared a screen, a generation grew up watching it on repeat. Eighteen years later, Mammookka and Lalettan are back together and Malayalam cinema is calling it a Magnum Opus for a reason.. Here's to Patriot. May the screens to be enough."Meanwhile, Prithviraj Sukumaran also extended his wishes. He shared the film’s poster and wrote, "Wishing the entire team of this magnum opus the very best!"Director B. Unnikrishnan shared a long message on Facebook, "Patriot is set to hit theatres tomorrow. It has been more than a decade and a half since we last saw a film featuring both Mammootty and Mohanlal together. The movie also boasts a stellar cast including Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Revathi, Nayanthara, and Rajiv Menon. Along with this, it brings together some of the finest technical talents in the industry. The film is said to have been made on a budget exceeding Rs 125 crore."He added, "I have known Anto Joseph even before he became a producer. He has overcome many struggles and challenges to emerge as one of the biggest producers in Malayalam cinema. I still remember the day Mahesh and Anto approached Mohanlal to discuss this project. From that moment, Anto stood firmly by Mahesh’s dream with remarkable determination, something I have personally witnessed."The 'Prathichaya' director further said, "Such bold attempts have the power to redefine not just the commercial equations of Malayalam cinema, but also its creative boundaries. Earlier, Antony Perumbavoor demonstrated a similar courageous shift with Empuraan.Through this film, Mahesh Narayanan attempts to strongly convey, through his art, the reality that privacy is a myth in today’s world. The film carries a political undertone that responds to the demands of contemporary times. Patriot will undoubtedly be a compelling cinematic experience."He concluded by saying, "I extend my heartfelt wishes to Anto Joseph, who transformed a filmmaker’s big dream into reality. I also wish success to Mahesh and the entire technical team and crew who worked alongside him to bring this vision to life. I hope all technical professionals in Malayalam cinema stand in support of this film. My only request to the audience is this: embrace the film without any preconceived notions."Trade analyst AB George has shared early box office projections. According to current trends, 'Patriot' is expected to open around Rs 8 crore in Kerala. The worldwide opening is projected to reach close to Rs 25 crore.The Tweet reads, "#Patriot is aiming 8 (+/-) Crores range opening in Kerala & 25 Crores range opening worldwide as per current trends or more with positive reviews All-time second best opening for any Malayalam movie loading behind Empuraan (68.20 Crores)."