Mammootty Awarded Padma Bhushan; 'Patriot' Gets A Release Date

Malayalam superstar Mammootty was awarded the prestigious Padma Bhushan by the nation for “distinguished service of high order." The news came as the actor was honoured with his ninth Kerala State Film award for his act in Bramayugam (2024).

Other Padma awardees this year include Bollywood icon Dharmendra, veteran playback singer Alka Yagnik, and actor-filmmaker R Madhavan.

Speaking to Mathrubhumi News about the Padma award, Mammootty said, "Santosham, athi santhosham... there is nothing bigger than the honour from the country."In other news, Mammootty's upcoming anticipated film got a release date. Patriot will be out in theatres on April 23, 2026, the makers announced on X, along with a new poster from the film.

Apart from stalwarts Mammootty and Mohanlal, the film’s cast also includes Fahadh Faasil, Nayanthara, Revathy and Kunchacko Boban. Patriot is backed by Anto Joseph Productions and has music by composer Sushin Shyam.

In an earlier interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Mahesh Narayanan had revealed details about the film, saying, "It is not based on any real-life incident, but I cannot reveal more about the film’s themes at this point in. However, it is great to have Fahadh and Chackochan amongst the cast; they are my friends who always want me to do better and push me constantly. Having said that, it's not like I am utilising them for just cameos, they have solid characters with lots of material to perform. The same goes for Lal sir (Mohanlal); he is going to appear in a proper full-fledged role. Now my challenge is to present all these actors on-screen together in the best possible manner."

Patriot marks Mohanlal and Mammootty’s reunion in key roles after a gap of 17 years since Twenty:20 (2008).

Mammootty was last seen in a special appearance in the recent Malayalam film Chatha Pacha, which was released earlier this week.