Jeethu Joseph locks release window for Mohanlal’s ‘Drishyam 3’; says ‘watch it without expectations’
The much-anticipated third chapter of the ‘Drishyam’ franchise is officially on its way, with director Jeethu Joseph revealing that the Malayalam instalment is eyeing an April release. The update was shared during a private gathering in Kochi, where the filmmaker reflected on the enduring cultural impact of the series led by Mohanlal.
Director hints at early April release
Speaking at the event, Jeethu Joseph noted how deeply the films continue to resonate with audiences and himself.
“Drishyam is a movie that has influenced lots of people. I still bear the impact of it. So, without too many expectations, you may watch the movie in the first week of April in the theatres. The release date will be officially announced soon. Meanwhile, another movie 'Valathuvashathe Kallan' would be released on January 30. I am confident that it would be a good movie,” he said.
The upcoming third instalment will continue the story of Georgekutty, whose desperate attempt to shield his family from the consequences of a long-buried crime has powered one of Malayalam cinema’s most celebrated franchises. Both earlier films were major commercial successes and drew critical praise for their intricate storytelling.
Hindi adaptation set for 2026 release
While the Malayalam version moves toward an April opening, the Hindi remake of ‘Drishyam 3’ is already locked for an October 2026 release. Directed by Abhishek Pathak and produced by Panorama Studios, the Hindi sequel continues the Ajay Devgn-led series that found massive success with its 2022 instalment.
The project recently faced headlines after reports claimed that actor Akshaye Khanna had exited the film. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak confirmed to The Times of India that Khanna pulled out a day before the release of ‘Dhurandhar’. In the meantime, Jaideep Ahlawat has reportedly been brought on board, though an official announcement is still pending.
The Hindi version is slated for release on October 2, 2026.
A franchise with global reach
First released in 2013, ‘Drishyam’ introduced audiences to Georgekutty, a modest cable operator whose life spirals into a maze of lies and survival after an unforeseen incident. The second film, released in 2021, revisited the family years later, showing how the past continues to cast a long shadow.
Its compelling narrative has inspired multiple remakes across India–in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada–as well as a Chinese adaptation, cementing ‘Drishyam’ as one of the most extensively reimagined Indian film franchises.
Jeethu Joseph has previously hinted that the third film will evolve Georgekutty’s journey further, departing from the tightly structured suspense format that defined ‘Drishyam 2’.