The upcoming Hindi-language thriller Drishyam 3, directed by Abhishek Pathak, is set to hit screens on October 2, 2026, and has already ignited a fresh wave of conversation across the Malayalam film fraternity. The reason is not hard to guess: the film, which stars Ajay Devgn in the lead role of Vijay Salgaonkar, is being viewed as a potential benchmark that could either overshadow or be overshadowed by the legacy of the original Malayalam franchise that started it all. For director Jeethu Joseph and superstar Mohanlal, the minds behind the iconic Drishyam series, this new installment raises a pointed question - will the Hindi remake outshine its own roots, and could it inadvertently become a setback for the creative duo who first brought this story to life?
The Core Narrative and What’s at Stake
The official synopsis for Drishyam 3 confirms that the story picks up years after Vijay Salgaonkar managed to outwit the police and bury his family’s dark secret. But the past is never truly dead. A new piece of evidence emerges, threatening to unravel everything he has carefully constructed. With the investigation reopening, Vijay must once again match wits with the system to shield his wife and daughters from exposure. The premise stays faithful to the moral ambiguity and cat-and-mouse tension that made the original such a gripping watch - yet the execution, as always, will determine whether it stands as a worthy successor or a mere shadow.
The cast is formidable, with Tabu reprising her role as the relentless Meera Deshmukh, alongside Shriya Saran as Nandini Salgaonkar, Rajat Kapoor as Mahesh Deshmukh, and a supporting lineup that includes Jaideep Ahlawat, Prakash Raj, Ishita Dutta as Anju, and Mrunal Jadhav as Anu. Given the weight of the performances in earlier installments - both in Malayalam and Hindi - expectations are understandably sky-high.
A Franchise That Began in Malayalam, Now Testing Its Own Legacy
The original Drishyam, written and directed by Jeethu Joseph with Mohanlal in the lead, became a landmark in Malayalam cinema when it released in 2013. Its clever screenplay, emotional core, and a protagonist who was both everyman and master tactician earned it cult status. The success spawned a sequel, Drishyam 2, and later a Hindi adaptation starring Ajay Devgn, which itself was a massive commercial hit. Now, with Drishyam 3 being produced directly in Hindi under Pathak’s direction, the dynamics have shifted.
For Malayalam audiences, the question is no longer about whether a remake can work - it already has. The deeper concern is whether this third chapter, crafted for a pan-Indian audience, might dilute the raw, rooted storytelling that gave the franchise its soul. Jeethu Joseph, who remains a towering figure in the industry, has always been protective of his narrative universe. Yet with this new film operating under a different directorial vision, some fans worry that the distinct flavor of the original could be lost in translation, even if the language of the film is not the issue.
The Jeethu-Mohanlal Factor: A Double-Edged Sword
Mohanlal, who made Vijay Salgaonkar an unforgettable character in Malayalam, now watches a Hindi counterpart take the mantle further. For many, this is a point of pride - proof that Malayalam storytelling has national, even global, appeal. But there is also an undercurrent of anxiety. If Drishyam 3 succeeds critically and commercially, it will inevitably be compared to what Jeethu Joseph might have done with the material. If it fails, the blame could unfairly circle back to the creators who started the saga, despite them having no direct involvement in this Hindi production.
This puts Jeethu Joseph and Mohanlal in an awkward position. They are simultaneously the architects of a beloved franchise and spectators to its evolution in another language. Their silence on the project so far has been notable. Industry observers suggest that they are likely watching closely, aware that the reception of Drishyam 3 will reflect on their original work - whether it enhances the brand or tarnishes it.
What This Means for Malayalam Cinema’s Identity
There is a broader conversation here about how Malayalam cinema’s intellectual property is being repurposed for other markets. The success of Drishyam paved the way for numerous remakes across Indian languages, and the trend shows no sign of slowing. But each adaptation carries a risk: it can either honor the source material or strip it of its regional authenticity. In the case of Drishyam 3, the stakes are even higher because the story is continuing beyond the point where the original Malayalam series has left off.
This means the Hindi version is now charting its own course, creating narrative canon that did not exist in the Malayalam timeline. For hardcore fans of the Mohanlal original, that can feel like a territorial intrusion. For newer audiences, however, it simply means a fresh, suspenseful story with familiar characters. The tension, then, is not just about quality - it is about ownership of the narrative.
A Wait-and-Watch Approach
As the release date approaches, the buzz in Malayalam film circles is palpable. Will Drishyam 3 outdo the Malayalam versions in sheer scale and reach? Possibly. Will it match the emotional depth and clever plotting of Jeethu Joseph’s work? That remains uncertain. What is clear is that this film has become a reference point for how a regional hit can evolve into a cross-industry event without losing its core tension.
For Jeethu Joseph and Mohanlal, the situation is bittersweet. They gave the world a story that refuses to die. Now, they must live with the consequences - both the glory and the potential critique. The coming months will reveal whether this new chapter elevates the franchise or becomes a cautionary tale. Until then, the debate over whether the Malayalam version will be bested by its Hindi remake is far from settled.
Source: Filmibeat Malayalam
