The Final Lie, The Last Truth: Ajay Devgn Returns for the Ultimate Chapter in Drishyam 3
By Tanveer Zaidi
The most riveting psychological duel in Indian cinema is approaching its final reckoning.
Seven years after a desperate father first outwitted the system with nothing but intelligence, instinct, and an iron will to protect his family, Ajay Devgn is set to return for the concluding chapter of the iconic franchise — Drishyam 3.
The announcement arrived with a line that sent a chill down the spine of fans: “Aakhri hissa baaki hai” — the final part remains.
The makers have locked October 2, 2026, as the release date. For a story that began with a meticulously crafted alibi built around a Gandhi film festival, the symbolism is striking.
This is not merely a date on the calendar; it is the closing of a perfect narrative loop.
As filming begins this winter against the sunlit yet deceptive calm of Goa, there is a palpable sense of finality in the air.
Director Abhishek Pathak, who steered Drishyam 2 to both critical acclaim and blockbuster success, returns to helm this decisive chapter.
He reunites with a trusted creative team, including writer Aamil Keeyan Khan and cinematographer Sudhir K. Chaudhary, under the joint production banner of Panorama Studios and Jio Studios.
Their shared objective is clear: to craft an ending worthy of one of India’s most intellectually gripping film sagas.
The Family Returns, the Battle Evolves
At the centre of this final confrontation is Vijay Salgaonkar — cinema’s most unassuming mastermind.
Ajay Devgn reprises the role with the quiet intensity that turned Vijay into an everyman-hero with the mind of a chess grandmaster.
Alongside him, Shriya Saran returns as Nandini, the wife who has carried the emotional weight of their secret for years. Ishita Dutta and Mrunal Jadhav once again play their daughters — no longer children, but young women shaped by guilt, fear, and survival.
Opposite them stands a formidable force. Tabu reprises her powerful role as Meera Deshmukh, the relentless former IG whose pursuit is fuelled not just by duty, but by grief and vengeance, with Rajat Kapoor returning as her husband.
However, this final chapter brings a crucial shift. Stepping into a role that was initially planned for Akshaye Khanna is Jaideep Ahlawat, an actor known for his raw intensity.
His casting sparked debate online, but it also promises a darker, more grounded adversary — one capable of matching Vijay Salgaonkar move for move in this ultimate psychological showdown.
A Franchise That Redefined the Thriller Genre
The expectations riding on Drishyam 3 are immense, and for good reason. The franchise is a rare phenomenon that balances critical praise with extraordinary box-office success.
The first Hindi Drishyam collected an impressive ₹197 crore worldwide, while Drishyam 2 exceeded all projections, amassing a staggering ₹345 crore globally.
More than numbers, these films proved that Indian audiences crave intelligent thrillers rooted in emotion, morality, and consequence.
This final installment appears ready to go even deeper. The original Malayalam Drishyam 3, starring Mohanlal, is slated for release in April 2026.
Its creator, Jeethu Joseph, has indicated that the story may lean more toward an intense family drama than a conventional thriller — focusing on psychological scars, moral compromises, and the long-term cost of survival.
That insight hints that the Hindi finale may trade pure puzzle-solving for something more haunting and human.
The Final Testimony
As the Salgaonkar family returns to Goa — both on screen and behind the scenes — the stage is set for a monumental conclusion. Drishyam 3 is not just another sequel; it is the final testimony in a case that has gripped a nation’s imagination for over a decade.
Will Vijay Salgaonkar’s last lie hold? Or will the truth, patiently waiting all these years, finally break through?
On Gandhi Jayanti 2026, the verdict will be delivered.
(Tanveer Zaidi is an actor, author, and educationist.)
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