Patriot, starring Mohanlal, Mammootty and Nayanthara, opens strong at Malayalam box office, eyes historic Day 1 collections

When two of Malayalam cinema’s biggest powerhouses come together in one frame, expectations naturally soar beyond charts and numbers. Add a spy thriller backdrop, a stacked ensemble, and a long-anticipated release, and you have a film that turns into a full-blown event. That’s exactly what happened as the action-packed espionage drama Patriot finally reached theatres, bringing Mammootty and Mohanlal together alongside a star-heavy cast. The buzz around its opening day has been intense, even as audiences wait for final box office clarity.

The Malayalam action spy thriller Patriot, starring Mammootty and Mohanlal, has officially been released in theatres today, instantly becoming one of the most talked-about films in the industry. The film’s scale, cast, and genre have already positioned it as a major box office event.

Originally scheduled for an April 23 release, the film was pushed back, a move that briefly disappointed fans who were eagerly waiting for the big-screen collaboration. However, the anticipation only grew stronger during the delay, adding to the curiosity around its opening day performance.


Mammootty and Mohanlal’s Patriot is off to a promising start at the box office. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan and released on May 1, 2026, the film has opened to strong early interest. According to Sacnilk, it is running across 402 shows and has earned a net collection of Rs 0.99 crore on Day 1. This takes the total India gross to Rs 1.17 crore, while final India figures are still awaited.


Directed as a high-stakes espionage action thriller, Patriot brings together a major ensemble including Nayanthara, Fahadh Faasil, and Revathi, making it one of the most star-studded Malayalam releases in recent times. The scale of the casting has played a big role in driving audience expectations across regions.

On release day, the film witnessed strong buzz across theatres, with fan celebrations and packed shows in several centres reported from early morning screenings. Social media conversations around the film have also been trending, especially around the rare on-screen combination of its lead stars.


Several actors and filmmakers have expressed excitement for Patriot ahead of its release. Nivin Pauly reacted on Instagram Stories, recalling how Mammootty and Mohanlal’s earlier collaboration became a generation-defining experience and welcoming their return after 18 years. Prithviraj Sukumaran also shared the film’s poster and extended his best wishes to the team.

Director B. Unnikrishnan shared a detailed note praising the film’s scale, cast, and technical team, highlighting its reported budget and the long journey behind its making. He called it a bold cinematic effort with contemporary themes and urged audiences to watch it without preconceived notions.