3 minutes of readingCochinFebruary 9, 2026 03:57 pm IST
With less than three months left for the world premiere of director Mahesh Narayanan’s film patriotThe enthusiasm among fans increases daily, especially since the espionage thriller marks the on-screen reunion of mammoth and Mohanlal in leading roles after 18 years since Twenty:20 (2008). Patriot, one of the most anticipated Indian films of 2026, is nearing the final stages of its post-production and Mohanlal recently completed the dubbing of the film. Now, amidst the growing expectation, the actor playing the villain alongside the biggest stars of Malayalam cinema has been revealed. And it is none other than Fahadh Faasil!
During a recent event, Fahadh himself revealed that he plays the antagonist in the film and expressed his joy at getting the opportunity to share the screen with both Mammootty and Mohanlal. “I play the villain in Patriot,” he reportedly said, adding, “It’s a blessing to share the screen with Mammootty sir and Mohanlal sir. It’s a very interesting film. I’m also waiting for the film like you.” The spy thriller also stars nayantara, Kunchacko BobanRajiv Menon, Darshana RajendranRevathy and Zarin Shihab, among others, and will hit the screens on April 23, 2026.
Two of the most celebrated and successful Malayalam actors of all time, Mammootty and Mohanlal, who debuted on screen in 1980, have appeared together in several films during the initial phases of their careers. Some of his most notable collaborations include Anubandham, Karimpinpoovinakkare, Avidathe Pole Ivideyum, Adiyozhukkukal, Athirathram, Harikrishnans, Parayanum Vayya Parayathirukanum Vayya, Aalkkoottathil Thaniye, Adimakal Udamakal, Padayani, Kariyilakkattu Pole, Sandhyakku Virinja Poovu, Padayottam, Narasimham and Gandhinagar 2nd Street
Fahadh Faasil to return as Rangannan in Aavesham 2
While speaking at the event, Fahadh Faasil also revealed that a sequel to his acclaimed gangster comedy Aavesham (2024) is in process. Officially announced that he will be returning as Rangannan, the actor added that he is aiming to release the film sometime in 2027 or 2028. Directed by Jithu Madhavan, Aavesham was jointly produced by Fahadh, his wife Nazriya Nazim and filmmaker Anwar Rasheed, and is among the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time. The film also featured Hipzster, Mithun Jai Sankar, Roshan Shanavas and Sajin Gopu in key roles.