Salman Khan teams up with Malayalam director Mahesh Narayanan for 70s‑90s thriller

When Salman Khan, Bollywood star first walked into a Mumbai office on 28 September 2025, he wasn’t there to promote his latest box‑office flop. He was meeting Mahesh Narayanan, the acclaimed Malayalam‑film director to hash out a period‑action thriller set somewhere between the mid‑1970s and early 1990s. The collaboration, confirmed by a teaser shared on Salman’s Instagram story on 2 October 2025, could become the first Hindi‑Malayalam crossover of its kind.

Background and Recent Setbacks

Salman’s last big‑budget venture, Sikandar, cost roughly ₹200 crore and released during Eid 2025. Despite heavy marketing and a star‑studded cast, the film opened to a 45 percent occupancy and earned just ₹93 crore domestically, classifying it as a commercial disappointment. Industry analysts point to a fatigue factor – audiences are craving fresher narratives beyond the usual masala mix.

In the wake of that setback, Salman announced he would star in ‘Battle of Galwan’, a war drama directed by Apurva Lakhiya. The film, based on the 2020 border clash, will see him portray Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu. Production is slated to wrap by March 2026, giving him a clear window to evaluate Mahesh’s project.

The Proposed 70s‑90s Thriller with Mahesh Narayanan

Mahesh Narayanan, known for gritty Malayalam hits like Take Off and See You Soon, is steering a new film titled PatriotIndia. The 1‑minute‑21‑second teaser, launched on Dussehra 2025, promises a high‑octane spy thriller with a period backdrop that could feature iconic 80s Bollywood aesthetics.

According to sources at Piping Moon, the script remains under wraps – Salman admits he hasn’t read the full story yet, but he’s impressed with Mahesh’s vision. “The director has a unique way of blending realism with stylised action,” Salman told an insider. Mahesh, for his part, says the film will explore Cold‑War‑era espionage, with loose references to the Indian intelligence community’s activities during that era.

The cast already includes Malayalam stalwarts Mohanlal and Mamootty in pivotal roles, alongside Hindi actors Nayanthara, Revati, Fahadh Faasil and rising talent Kunchako Boban. The project will be shot in Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi and Tamil, aiming for a pan‑Indian reach.

Current Projects: Battle of Galwan and Other Talks

Besides the Mahesh venture, Salman is reportedly in talks with director Kabir Khan for an action drama, and with Aamir Khan on a potential two‑hero narrative. Sources suggest these discussions are still in the “concept” stage, but they underline Salman’s strategy to diversify his portfolio after a string of under‑performing releases.

With Mumbai serving as the hub for most of these meetings, the city’s production houses are buzzing. “We’ve never seen such a concentrated flurry of negotiations in a single quarter,” says a senior executive at a leading Mumbai studio.

Industry Reactions and Expert Take

Film critic Rohini Iyer notes, “Mahesh Narayanan brings a gritty realism that could rejuvenate Salman’s on‑screen persona. Pairing him with the nostalgic 70s‑90s setting is a clever trick to tap nostalgia while delivering fresh storytelling.”

Box‑office analyst Vikram Singh projects a modest opening: “If the film releases on 15 April 2026, it will clash with the summer holiday window, potentially earning ₹150‑₹180 crore domestically, assuming the multilingual rollout goes smoothly.”

Social‑media reaction has been mixed. While Salman’s fanbase flooded his story with supportive emojis, some cinephiles expressed skepticism, pointing out that Mahesh’s previous works, though critically acclaimed, never crossed the ₹100 crore mark.

Release Plans and What’s Next

The official teaser for Patriot was unveiled at a Dussehra event in New Delhi, hosted by the film’s co‑producer Ante Joseph Productions. The company confirmed a pan‑India theatrical release on 15 April 2026, followed by a digital launch on a leading OTT platform after a 30‑day window.

Salman has said he’ll make a final decision on joining the project after wrapping up Battle of Galwan. If he does sign on, the film could become his first major foray into a period spy thriller – a genre the Indian audience has rarely seen in a Bollywood‑Malayalam hybrid format.

In the meantime, fans can keep an eye on Salman’s Instagram, where he habitually drops behind‑the‑scenes snippets. The next update is expected after the completion of the Galwan shoot, likely in early 2026.

• Key Fact 1: Salman Khan’s last film, Sikandar, earned only ₹93 crore against a ₹200 crore budget.
• Key Fact 2: Mahesh Narayanan’s upcoming movie Patriot is slated for 15 April 2026.
• Key Fact 3: The film will be released in four languages: Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil.
• Key Fact 4: Both Mohanlal and Mamootty are confirmed in major supporting roles.
• Key Fact 5: Salman is also attached to the war drama Battle of Galwan, directed by Apurva Lakhiya.

Frequently Asked Questions

What genre is the Mahesh Narayanan‑Salman Khan collaboration?

The project, titled Patriot, is being billed as a period action‑spy thriller set between the 1970s and 1990s, blending classic espionage tropes with gritty 80s‑era Bollywood aesthetics.

When will Patriot hit theaters?

The film is scheduled for a wide release across India on 15 April 2026, with simultaneous language versions in Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi and Tamil.

How does this project fit into Salman Khan’s current film slate?

Salman is wrapping up the war drama Battle of Galwan before committing to Patriot. He is also in early talks with Kabir Khan and Aamir Khan for other potential films, signaling a strategic shift toward diverse genres after recent box‑office disappointments.

Why is Mahesh Narayanan considered a suitable director for this film?

Mahesh has a reputation for realistic storytelling and tight, atmospheric action, evident in hits like Take Off. His ability to handle multi‑language projects and deliver critical acclaim makes him a strong match for a pan‑Indian period thriller.

What impact could this collaboration have on Bollywood’s future projects?

If successful, the film could encourage more cross‑regional collaborations, especially involving established Bollywood stars with acclaimed South Indian directors, broadening the market for multilingual, genre‑bending cinema.