The much-anticipated Malayalam film Patriot, starring legendary actors Mammootty and Mohanlal, has reportedly run into trouble ahead of its scheduled release on April 23, 2026. According to industry reports, theatre owners in Kerala have allegedly decided to blacklist the film due to a dispute over revenue sharing.

The project, directed by Mahesh Narayanan, has generated massive excitement among fans as it will bring the two Malayalam cinema icons together on the big screen after many years.

Dispute Over Profit-Sharing Formula

The controversy reportedly began after producer Anto Joseph proposed a revenue-sharing model for theatres. The agreement suggested that 60% of the collection should go to the producer and 40% to theatre owners for the first two weeks of the film’s run.

However, the proposal was not accepted by the Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK), which represents theatre owners across the state.

FEUOK officials argue that the proposed model violates the existing revenue-sharing structure followed in Kerala’s film industry.

Existing Revenue Model

According to theatre owners, the current standard distribution formula is:

• Week 1: 60% to producers, 40% to exhibitors

• Week 2: 55% to producers, 45% to exhibitors

• Week 3 onward: 50% each for producers and exhibitors

FEUOK representatives claim that the new proposal changes the balance and could set a precedent that theatre owners find unfavorable.

Fans Await the Big Reunion

Despite the dispute, Patriot remains one of the most anticipated Malayalam films of 2026. The teaser released earlier received a strong response, with audiences eager to watch Mammootty and Mohanlal share the screen again.

Industry observers believe that negotiations between the producers and theatre owners may continue in the coming weeks to avoid a major release disruption.