Highlights
- Mammootty calls Patriot a story-led film that aims to “create its own formula”
- Film reunites him with Mohanlal after nearly two decades
- Actor reflects on contrasting acting styles and the pressures of performance
A film led by story, not stardom
Mammootty has stressed that Patriot, directed by Mahesh Narayanan, is anchored in its narrative rather than its star cast.
Speaking about the espionage thriller, he said the film is driven by its content and plot, adding that it does not follow a set formula but instead aims to establish one. He also pointed to the presence of strong female characters within the story.
“The plot is the hero,” he said, underlining that the film does not revolve around a single central figure despite its scale and ensemble.
A long-awaited reunion on familiar ground
The film marks the return of Mammootty and Mohanlal to the screen together after an 18-year gap. Despite the anticipation surrounding their pairing, Mammootty described the experience as straightforward.
He said working together felt natural from the first day of filming in Colombo, attributing it to their long-standing friendship and close personal ties. While they share an easy rapport off screen, their characters occupy very different spaces within the narrative.
Contrasting approaches to acting
Reflecting on their craft, Mammootty acknowledged the differences in how the two actors approach performance. While Mohanlal is often seen as instinctive, Mammootty described his own process as more deliberate, though not something that can be fully explained or reduced to a method.
He added that acting remains an intense experience regardless of experience, revealing that the pressure is still present until a scene is completed. Preparation, he suggested, comes less from formal methods and more from observation and memory built over time.
A project of scale and continuity
Shot over around 130 days across India and international locations, Patriot is set against a global backdrop and explores events that those involved hope remain fictional.
The film features an ensemble cast including Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, Darshana Rajendran and Revathi. It avoids conventional subplots, focusing instead on a tightly driven narrative.
For Mammootty, the film is less about revisiting the past and more about continuing a long-standing commitment to acting. Patriot is scheduled for a pan-India theatrical release on 1 May 2026.
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The singer jokingly texted Clairo saying, "Let's f**k her up," sparking an online frenzy
Why Charli XCX jokingly declared war on Peppa Pig after one viral comment
Highlights
What started as a playful celebrity game has turned into one of the internet's most unexpected viral moments, with Charli XCX jokingly threatening to "f**k up" Peppa Pig after the beloved cartoon character appeared to dismiss singer Clairo.
The exchange quickly spread across social media, drawing reactions from fans and fellow musicians, while turning an unlikely clash between a pop star and a fictional children's character into a trending talking point.
Peppa Pig's viral remark sparked the joke
The playful exchange began during Peppa Pig's appearance in Pitchfork's Over/Under game, where the animated character rated a selection of music artists.
While expressing admiration for acts including PinkPantheress and The Beatles, Peppa responded to Clairo by saying, "I don't know her," a line widely recognised as a reference to Mariah Carey's famous response when asked about Jennifer Lopez.
The remark, accompanied by a knowing glance at the camera, quickly gained traction online.
Charli XCX rushed to Clairo's defence
After seeing the clip, Charli XCX privately messaged Clairo, writing, "Let's f**k her up," alongside a screenshot of the viral post.
Clairo later shared the exchange on social media, prompting thousands of reactions from fans, many of whom responded with pig and bacon-themed jokes.
PinkPantheress, whom Peppa had praised in the original video, also joined the conversation, posting a message supporting Clairo.
As the exchange continued, Clairo responded to the growing attention with humour, replying to posts before eventually telling followers, "ok that's enoughhhhh lolllllllllll."
Some fans joked that the viral moment was the perfect opportunity for the singer to announce new music, though Clairo replied that she did not have anything ready to share.
Her most recent album, Charm, was released in 2024, with its accompanying tour concluding in 2025.
Charli XCX keeps her focus on new music
While the online joke continued to gather momentum, Charli XCX did not publicly add to the exchange.
Instead, the singer has been focusing on promoting her upcoming album, Music, Fashion, Film, which is scheduled for release on July 24.
Although fans speculated that one of the track titles could be a playful nod to the viral exchange, there has been no indication that the album references the light-hearted social media moment.