The buzz around Patriot just got a significant boost. The upcoming Malayalam big-ticket film, starring Mammootty and Mohanlal, has been selected as the opening film at the 24th edition of the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, the film will have a special screening at the festival, which is scheduled to take place from April 23 to 26, 2026.
Patriot earns a global spotlight
Interestingly, the film’s festival debut aligns perfectly with its worldwide theatrical release on April 23, giving Patriot a simultaneous push on both global and domestic fronts. The move places the film on an international stage right as it reaches audiences in theatres, underlining the scale and ambition behind the project.
The selection also marks a major moment for Malayalam cinema at the festival, which has consistently showcased South Asian storytelling to global audiences. With Patriot opening the event, expectations are high for a film that already carries immense anticipation among fans and cinephiles alike.
A reunion nearly two decades in the making
One of the biggest talking points surrounding Patriot is the reunion of Mammootty and Mohanlal. The two legends of Malayalam cinema share screen space after a gap of 18 years, making this collaboration a landmark moment in itself.
In the film, Mammootty plays Daniel James, a former JAG officer who finds himself accused of espionage. As he navigates a complex web of accusations and covert operations, his journey becomes one of survival and redemption. Mohanlal, meanwhile, steps into the role of Colonel Rahim, adding further gravitas to what is billed as a high-stakes narrative.
Touted as an intense espionage thriller, Patriot explores themes of surveillance, national security, and deception. The story revolves around a covert mission involving the implementation of a surveillance system and the efforts to counter it, setting the stage for a gripping, layered narrative.
A diverse international lineup at IFFLA
The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles continues its tradition of spotlighting a wide range of global cinema. This year’s edition will feature 27 titles, spanning narrative features, documentaries, and short films. The lineup includes seven narrative features, two documentary features, and 18 short films.
The festival brings together films from across the world, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. Such a diverse slate reflects IFFLA’s commitment to presenting varied voices and storytelling styles from different cultures.
The festival will close with The Great Shamsuddin Family, directed by Anusha Rizvi. Known for her critically acclaimed debut Peepli Live (2010), Rizvi returns with a film set over the course of a single day in a middle-class Delhi household, chronicling the personal struggles of its members. The film is currently available for streaming on JioHotstar.
With Patriot leading the charge as the opening film, this year’s festival promises a compelling mix of narratives. For Malayalam cinema, the spotlight could not have come at a better time, especially with a project that combines star power, scale, and international appeal.
The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles continues its tradition of spotlighting a wide range of global cinema. This year’s edition will feature 27 titles, spanning narrative features, documentaries, and short films. The lineup includes seven narrative features, two documentary features, and 18 short films.
The festival brings together films from across the world, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. Such a diverse slate reflects IFFLA’s commitment to presenting varied voices and storytelling styles from different cultures.
The festival will close with The Great Shamsuddin Family, directed by Anusha Rizvi. Known for her critically acclaimed debut Peepli Live (2010), Rizvi returns with a film set over the course of a single day in a middle-class Delhi household, chronicling the personal struggles of its members. The film is currently available for streaming on JioHotstar.
With Patriot leading the charge as the opening film, this year’s festival promises a compelling mix of narratives. For Malayalam cinema, the spotlight could not have come at a better time, especially with a project that combines star power, scale, and international appeal.
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