Big trouble for ‘Patriot’: Theatre body blocks Mammootty-Mohanlal film ahead of April release

Kochi: The Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK), the association representing theater owners, has decided to ban the upcoming Malayalam film ‘Patriot’, which reportedly brings together Mammootty and Mohanlal on screen after a long gap.

The decision comes amid a dispute over revenue sharing between the film’s producers and theater owners. FIOK has instructed theaters across Kerala not to enter into screening agreements with the film. The movie is currently scheduled to release on April 23.

Typically, Malayalam film releases follow a revenue-sharing model where theater owners provide 60% of the box office share to producers in the first week, 55% in the second week, and 50% in the third week. However, the producers of Patriot reportedly demanded 60% share for both the first and second weeks, which has been strongly opposed by FIOK.

The big-budget project has generated significant buzz as it brings Mohanlal and Mammootty together on screen after more than a decade. The legendary actors last appeared together in Kadal Kadannoru Maathukutty (2013).

Apart from the two superstars, the film also features Fahadh Faasil and Kunchacko Boban in pivotal roles.

The film is produced by Anto Joseph and KG Anil Kumar, with a script written by Mahesh Narayanan. Music for the film has been composed by Sushin Shyam, while Manush Nandan serves as the cinematographer.

Earlier, the makers unveiled a new poster for the film on Instagram, which was also shared by the lead actors. The poster confirmed the release date and carried the caption: “Unleashing the spirit of fearless voices, this Republic Day. #PATRIOT arrives worldwide on April 23, 2026. The countdown begins NOW.”