Shooting of Drishyam 3 Kicks Off: Mohanlal and Ajay Devgn Return in Highly Anticipated Sequel
By Tanveer Zaidi
Kochi witnessed the grand commencement of shooting for “Drishyam 3” on Monday at SN Law College, Poothotta, marking the continuation of one of India’s most celebrated crime drama franchises.
The Malayalam version features the living legend Mohanlal, recently honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, reprising his iconic role, while the Hindi adaptation will again star superstar Ajay Devgn in the lead.
The Drishyam franchise, consisting of the original Malayalam films and their Hindi remakes, has been celebrated for its gripping storytelling, unpredictable twists, and compelling performances, exploring the universal theme of a devoted family man doing everything to protect his loved ones. Its realistic narrative, clever plotting, and emotional depth have made the series a benchmark in Indian cinema, resonating across languages and regions.
The Formula Behind Drishyam’s Massive Success
Box Office Milestones
The original Malayalam film became a record-breaking box-office success, becoming the first Malayalam film to collect ₹50 crore, according to official records. Its universal appeal and tightly woven storyline ensured its place among the most successful Indian films of its era.
Global and Multilingual Remakes
The franchise’s popularity transcended borders, leading to official remakes in multiple Indian languages and even an international adaptation in Chinese, showcasing its cross-cultural storytelling power.
A Lasting Legacy
- Benchmark for Crime Dramas: Drishyam set new standards for crime thrillers in Indian cinema, demonstrating that strong storytelling and intelligent plots can transcend language barriers.
- Successful Franchise: The continued success of sequels, particularly the Hindi adaptation of Drishyam 2, cemented the franchise’s status and created a lasting legacy in cinematic history.
The Drishyam Series at a Glance
Malayalam Series:
- Drishyam (2013) – Mohanlal, Meena, Asha Sharath, Siddique, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Kalabhavan Shajohn | Director: Jeethu Joseph | Producer: Antony Perumbavoor
- Drishyam 2 (2021) – Mohanlal, Meena, Asha Sharath, Siddique, Esther Anil | Director: Jeethu Joseph
Hindi Series:
- Drishyam (2015) – Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta, Rajat Kapoor, Kamlesh Sawant | Director: Nishikant Kamat
- Drishyam 2 (2022) – Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Akshaye Khanna, Ishita Dutta, Rajat Kapoor | Director: Abhishek Pathak
Drishyam 3:
The upcoming sequel aims to continue both the Malayalam and Hindi storylines. While Mohanlal and Jeethu Joseph return for the Malayalam version, the director for the Hindi adaptation is yet to be officially confirmed. Key actors expected to reprise their roles include Ajay Devgn, Meena, Tabu, and Shriya Saran, among others.
First Look and Anticipation
Although no official poster has been released, a poster featuring Meena with the tagline “The Past Never Stays Silent” went viral in mid-September 2025, fueling excitement for the upcoming Malayalam release.
The film began principal photography on September 22, 2025, with Mohanlal, director Jeethu Joseph, and producer Antony Perumbavoor present at the inaugural pooja ceremony. The team is aiming for a March 2026 summer release, making Drishyam 3 one of the most eagerly awaited sequels in Indian cinema history.
The anticipation surrounding Drishyam 3 reflects the franchise’s enduring appeal, combining family drama, suspense, and intelligent storytelling that captivates audiences nationwide and internationally.
With its talented cast, visionary directors, and a story that promises to unfold with more twists and revelations, Drishyam 3 is poised to redefine the crime thriller genre yet again.
Writer Tanveer Zaidi is an (Actor-Author-Educationist)
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