The highly anticipated Malayalam spy action drama Patriot, starring superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal, is reportedly blacklisted by theaters in Kerala ahead of its April 23, 2026 release. The ban stems from a dispute over the film's profit-sharing agreement between the producers and theater exhibitors.

The Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK) opposes the profit-sharing terms set by Patriot's producers. An agreement forwarded to theater owners requested a 60:40 revenue split in favor of producers during the first two weeks, conflicting with FEUOK’s established formulas.

• Patriot’s proposed 60:40 split applies for two weeks, conflicting with FEUOK's sliding scale
• FEUOK demands the producer conform to existing revenue-sharing norms to lift the ban

What's your take on this theatrical conflict affecting a major Malayalam release?

Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, Patriot marks the reunion of Mammootty and Mohanlal after nearly a decade. The film features other prominent actors like Kunchacko Boban, Fahadh Faasil, Nayanthara, Rajiv Menon, and Revathi.

• Patriot is a spy action drama focused on a controversial intelligence mission
• The film's release date is April 23, 2026

Are you excited to see Mammootty and Mohanlal share screen space again?

Beyond Patriot, Mohanlal has begun work on L366, a cop action-comedy directed by Tharun Moorthy, co-starring Meera Jasmine. He also has cameos lined up in films including Thudakkam and Jailer 2.

Mammootty recently completed shooting for Padayaatra, directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan, and is set to appear in Dhanush's forthcoming film D55.

• Mohanlal stars as "TS Lovelajan" in upcoming L366
• Mammootty wraps Padayaatra and joins D55

What roles of Mammootty and Mohanlal are you looking forward to the most?

• Directed by Mahesh Narayanan
• Stars Mammootty and Mohanlal, reunited after a decade
• Scheduled release: April 23, 2026
• Currently blacklisted in Kerala theaters due to revenue-sharing disagreement
• Features a talented ensemble including Nayanthara and Fahadh Faasil

Image: Mammootty and Mohanlal headlining Patriot, a film caught in a Kerala theater profit-sharing dispute (Image credit: Mammootty, X)

Stakeholders will watch if the Patriot producers and FEUOK reach a resolution to lift the blacklist. The outcome could impact future profit-sharing models for Malayalam cinema.

Stay tuned for updates on the evolving situation around Patriot's release and the Kerala film industry's negotiations.

• Patriot starring Mammootty and Mohanlal is blacklisted in Kerala due to theater revenue-sharing disagreements.
• The dispute involves conflicting profit-sharing formulas proposed by the film's producers and FEUOK.
• Resolution is awaited to ensure the blockbuster's April 2026 release in Kerala theaters.
• The film marks a rare Mammootty-Mohanlal reunion in Malayalam cinema.
• Both actors have other notable projects lined up, showcasing their continued influence.

• Major Malayalam film Patriot blacklisted before release in Kerala
• Conflict centers on 60:40 producer-theater revenue split proposed by producers
• FEUOK demands adherence to established variable revenue-sharing model
• Mammootty and Mohanlal reunite after a decade, raising audience anticipation
• Ongoing negotiations crucial for Patriot's theatrical release and industry impact

What are your thoughts on resolving such industry disputes to support Malayalam cinema’s growth?