‘Drishyam 3’ review: Mohanlal proves Georgekutty is still one step ahead of everyone

A decade after ‘Drishyam’ reshaped the grammar of Malayalam thrillers, director Jeethu Joseph returns with ‘Drishyam 3’, offering a richly layered, atmospheric and emotionally charged conclusion to Georgekutty’s saga. Released on 21 May to coincide with Mohanlal’s birthday, the film extends the franchise’s legacy with a slow-burn narrative that carefully assembles tension before delivering a breathtaking, meticulously crafted finale.

The third instalment is not just a continuation but a culmination, a film that retains the essence of its predecessors while evolving into a more introspective psychological thriller.

A classic Jeethu Joseph build-up

As with the earlier films, Joseph opens the narrative with restrained pacing. The film patiently rebuilds the world Georgekutty occupies, interspersing flashes of the past to help viewers reconnect with the unresolved emotional debris that frames his present reality.

Despite its slow burn, the film moves with remarkable precision, avoiding unnecessary lags. Every scene serves a purpose, either deepening the psychological stakes, expanding character motivations, or subtly planting the seeds for revelations that arrive later.

The interval block adds a sharp rise in suspense, shaping expectations for the second half. It snaps the calm surface of the narrative and pivots the story sharply toward the second half.

Mohanlal returns as Georgekutty

Mohanlal slips back into Georgekutty with the ease of a man returning home. The character, now older and more burdened, is constantly haunted by the possibility that someone may be watching him, a stark contrast to the earlier films where his enemies were visible and clearly defined.

This is a Georgekutty stripped of certainty. He is consumed by the fear that the case may reopen, that one loose thread could destroy the fragile peace he carved out. The psychological weight is heavier; the threat, more abstract.

His entry scene, designed as a fan-pleasing moment, lands with the expected impact, a true ‘whistle podu’ highlight that reaffirms why he remains one of Malayalam cinema’s most iconic actors.

Mohanlal delivers an intensely controlled performance, communicating paranoia, intelligence, weariness, and determination through subtle shifts in gaze and body language. He does not merely reprise Georgekutty, he re-inhabits him.

Evolving the franchise

The film recognises and respects the legacy that began in 2013 and grew into an all-India phenomenon. The Malayalam originals inspired remakes in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and more, cementing Georgekutty as a pan-Indian cultural figure.

‘Drishyam 3’, with a runtime of 2 hours and 39 minutes, embraces this identity, revisiting the trauma of a case that destroyed one family and transformed another. The story acknowledges that the tragedy involving IG Geetha Prabhakar’s son, Varun, can never truly be buried. The emotional toll on both families forms the heart of ‘Drishyam 3’.

Jeethu Joseph adopts a slightly different narrative rhythm here, choosing to explore emotional repercussions rather than purely relying on twists or procedural drama. As he teased prior to release, this is an emotional thriller, a film that prioritises fear, guilt, memory and consequence over shock value.

The film cleverly integrates the realities of today’s digital age, showing how social media and traditional media can shape, or skew, public perception. As social media videos, news panels, and YouTube speculation begin drawing parallels to Georgekutty’s past, the pressure mounts exponentially.

The only weak thread here is the journalist subplot. Introduced with promise, it fades abruptly and does little to affect the central narrative. Even without it, the film would run seamlessly.

Technical brilliance

The music and background score is one of the film’s biggest assets, steadily heightening tension without overpowering scenes. It complements Joseph’s slow pacing, allowing each moment to simmer before boiling over.

Satheesh Kurup’s cinematography is quietly striking. His frames carry the weight of dread, emphasising the isolation and claustrophobia Georgekutty feels. Night scenes, silhouettes, and close-up shots build a sense of being watched, an unspoken theme throughout the film.

The dialogues are sharp, punchy and purposeful, hitting the emotional notes cleanly. There is a balanced mix of levity and seriousness, allowing brief relief before the narrative tightens again.

The proportion of fun and serious elements is well-calibrated. While the film carries a heavy emotional undercurrent, it does not drown in it. Moments of normalcy, humour and tenderness serve as necessary breathers.

A fitting end

The final act is nothing short of masterful. Joseph constructs a climax that is simultaneously emotional, logical, surprising and satisfying. It is a clean reminder of why the ‘Drishyam’ franchise is celebrated for its intelligence.

The ending reinforces a truth baked into Georgekutty’s character; he remains ‘one step ahead of everyone’.

The film offers a strong, dignified closure to the trilogy. While the last scenes hint at the possibility of further continuation, Joseph has previously stated that a fourth instalment is unlikely, making this all the more poignant as a farewell.

‘Drishyam 3’ cast

Alongside Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan and Esther Anil deliver grounded, consistent performances. They embody a family shaped by fear and resilience, each carrying their share of guilt and trauma.

Their interactions feel authentic, particularly in domestic sequences where the emotional scars of the past quietly surface.

Rating: 4/5