‘Patriot’, one of the most awaited Mollywood films of 2026, is all set to hit theaters on May 1 with a big ensemble led by Mammootty and Mohanlal. Producer Subhash George Manuel has now confirmed that Suresh Gopi has been first selected for the cameo role which later went to Mohanlal.
The update has drawn attention as the film already brings together major names from Malayalam cinema and its casting choices have been widely discussed.
Suresh Gopi was the first choice for the film ‘Patriot’.
According to Onmanorama, the confirmation came during a press meet on Friday. Subhash George Manuel, who is backing Patriot through Kichappu Films in association with Anto Joseph Film Company, said Mahesh Narayanan first discussed Suresh Gopi’s role in theaters when he pitched the story.Rumors had already suggested that Suresh Gopi was the original choice. Manuel’s comment now provides clear confirmation of these reports. The producer said that early conversations about the role centered on the casting of Suresh Gopi before the part later changed direction.Mohanlal missed the press meet as he was in the US to attend a theater show. The event was attended by Mahesh Narayanan, Mammootty, Kunchacko Boban, Darshana Rajendran, Zareen Shahab, and Grace Anthony.
Mohanlal’s cameo and ‘Patriot’ cast details.
Mammootty recently revealed in an interview that he suggested Mohanlal’s name when the makers felt they needed a prominent actor from the North for the role. Reports said that the character changed significantly during the writing stage and later became a larger-than-life character in the final version.Mohanlal and Nayanthara are reportedly among the last actors to join the cast. The film’s cast remained one of the biggest talking points ahead of its release.In the same press interview, Grace Anthony shared how she joined the Patriots. She said that Mahesh Narayanan noticed her when she visited the sets to meet Mammootty and asked her if she was interested in a role. “I said yes,” Grace recalls. Producer Anto Joseph later reminded Mammootty of Mahesh’s suggestion, and Mammootty believed that Grace could handle the part.
