The highly anticipated Malayalam thriller ‘Drishyam 3’, headlined by Mohanlal and directed by Jeethu Joseph, is reportedly headed for a release delay amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region. The film was initially expected to arrive in cinemas worldwide on April 2, but industry sources suggest that the makers are reconsidering the date due to uncertainty surrounding overseas theatrical markets.

According to reports cited by industry tracker Sacnilk, the producers are evaluating the situation closely and an official announcement is expected soon. The Gulf market, one of the strongest overseas territories for Malayalam cinema, has been hit by instability linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, raising concerns for major Indian releases. 

Earlier, ‘Toxic: A Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups’, starring Yash, was shifted from 19 March to 4 June for similar reasons. Now, the same uncertainties appear to be affecting ‘Drishyam 3’, one of the year’s most awaited Indian releases.

Strong Middle East market at risk

Malayalam films, particularly those featuring Mohanlal, have traditionally posted robust box-office numbers across the Middle East. With the ongoing conflict disrupting business operations and theatre footfall in the region, distributors and producers are reportedly hesitant to commit to a major release window.

The franchise’s first instalment, ‘Drishyam’, became a landmark success and was later remade in multiple languages, including Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Sinhalese and Chinese. Its sequel, ‘Drishyam 2’, premiered on Amazon Prime Video during the pandemic and spawned several Indian-language remakes.

Jeethu Joseph on the third instalment

In separate conversations last year, Jeethu Joseph indicated that the threequel would take a different narrative route. Speaking to The New Indian Express, he said, “The film focuses on what happens in Georgekutty’s life after four-and-a-half years. That is the crux of the story.”

He later told Indian Express Screen that each part of the franchise has intentionally differed in tone and structure, "Drishyam 2 wasn’t similar to Drishyam 1; and Drishyam 3 won’t be like Drishyam 2… My focus is only on Georgekutty and his family, and on what could have happened in their lives over the six or seven years since Part 2."

Production completed; cast returns

Lead actor Mohanlal wrapped his portions in December last year, with a video of the celebration on set going viral. Filming began just as he received Indian cinema’s highest honour, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

The movie was officially launched in September with a traditional puja ceremony at a law college near Kochi. Shooting took place across Thodupuzha, Vagamon, and Ernakulam, where the final schedule was completed.

Producer Antony Perumbavoor, a long-time collaborator of Mohanlal, said earlier, “The phenomenal response to the first two parts convinced us that Georgekutty’s journey had more to tell. Only after detailed talks with Jeethu did we finalise this new version.”

The film brings back the familiar ensemble including Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil and Siddique.

Franchise with cult status

The ‘Drishyam’ series has earned cult standing for its meticulous plotting and the iconic character of Georgekutty, a man willing to go to any extent to protect his family. Fans have waited years to witness the closure of his story arc, making news of a possible delay all the more disappointing.

While the postponement is yet to be formally confirmed, industry chatter suggests that the makers are keeping a close watch on geopolitical developments before locking the final release date.