Ban for Mammootty-Mohanlal film 'Patriot'; FEUOK asks not to sign contract with film

The big-budget film 'Patriot', directed by Mahesh Narayanan and starring Mammootty and Mohanlal together after many years, has been banned from theaters. Following a dispute over the production share, Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK), the theater owners' organization, took action against the film. FEUOK has strictly instructed its members not to sign a contract with the film.

Normally, the producers of Malayalam films get 60 percent in the first week and 50-55 percent in the second week. However, Anto Joseph Film Company, the producers of 'Patriot', has put forward a condition that they should get 60 percent in the first two weeks as well. FEUOK’s stand is that this new contract is unacceptable and will cause huge financial losses to the theater owners.

'Patriot' is a big budget film using extremely modern technology. The production department claims that for such films, which are made at a huge cost, to be profitable, more allocation is essential in the first weeks. However, sources close to the producers indicate that they, as an organization, have not received any official information about such a ban.

The makers are aiming to release the film in theaters on April 23. FEUOK has around 400 screens, including single-screen theaters in Kerala. If the ban remains in place, the film's release will be in a big crisis.