Jeethu Joseph Confirms ‘Drishyam 3’ Progress; Stops Hindi Remake to Prioritise Mohanlal’s Version

The much-awaited Drishyam 3 featuring Mohanlal and directed by Jeethu Joseph is currently under development.

While the Malayalam original is yet to begin shooting, speculations about the Hindi version with Ajay Devgn entering production first were widespread. However, Jeethu Joseph clarified that the Malayalam version will commence first.

Legal Warning from Jeethu Joseph

In an interview with Mathrubhumi, Jeethu Joseph revealed that legal steps were considered to ensure the Hindi remake does not begin ahead of the original Malayalam version.

He said, “There were demands on making Malayalam and Hindi versions together, but we haven’t decided on those matters. There were initially some plans to start in Hindi first, but after a hint was given that this would be dealt with legally, they backed off from it.”

Current Status of Malayalam Drishyam 3

Jeethu stated that the original Malayalam film is still in its scripting phase and shooting is likely to begin by mid-September or October.

“I just completed the climax of Drishyam 3 last night. It’s been a period of intense pressure,” he shared at a recent event.

Origins and Growth of the Drishyam Franchise

The Drishyam franchise began in 2013 with the Malayalam version starring Mohanlal and directed by Jeethu Joseph.

The plot centers on Georgekutty and his family, whose lives change after the mysterious disappearance of a police officer’s son. The gripping story led to remakes in multiple languages.

It was first remade in Kannada in 2014 with V Ravichandran, then in Telugu with Daggubati Venkatesh, and Tamil with Kamal Haasan in 2015. Ajay Devgn played the lead in the Hindi version, which also became hugely popular.

International Adaptations and Sequels

The film’s popularity led to Sinhala and Chinese remakes. Adaptations in Indonesian and Korean languages are also underway.

A sequel, Drishyam 2, was released in Malayalam, Kannada, and Telugu in 2021, followed by the Hindi version in 2022. The third installment was officially announced in February this year.

Jeethu’s Vision for Drishyam 3

Jeethu shared that while wrapping up Drishyam 2, he already had thoughts for a third part. “When Lalettan watched Drishyam 2 at my home theatre, he asked me if a third part was possible,” Jeethu revealed.

“I told him that if we ever went for another sequel, I wish for the climax of the movie to be crafted in a particular way.”

He added that Mohanlal encouraged him to proceed with the idea. The filmmaker noted that it was the climax of Drishyam 3 that came to his mind first and shaped the rest of the story.

Bollywood Awaits Final Script

The makers of the Hindi remake are waiting for Jeethu’s final script. “People from Bollywood have indeed approached me for the Hindi rights and adaptation. They’re waiting for the script to be ready,” Jeethu confirmed.

He also said that simultaneous filming for both versions was proposed, but no decisions have been finalized.

Jeethu mentioned that he received several emails suggesting plot ideas, but deleted them unread. “I don’t want my creative process to be influenced or distracted,” he said.

Legacy of the Original Film

The original Drishyam, starring Mohanlal and Meena, was released in December 2013 and became an instant blockbuster. It grossed over Rs 75 crore worldwide and became the first Malayalam film to collect Rs 50 crore.

It also ran for more than 150 days in theatres and 125 days in the UAE, making it the longest-running Malayalam film overseas until Pulimurugan surpassed it in 2016.

Update on Hindi Drishyam 3

Drishyam 3 in Hindi, starring Ajay Devgn, will be directed by Abhishek Pathak and produced by Kumar Mangat.

According to Pinkvilla, the film is scheduled to release on October 2, 2026. However, it will only begin after the Malayalam version goes on floors, as reiterated by Jeethu Joseph.

Final Words from Jeethu

Jeethu reiterated his stance during the interview: “There were demands on making Malayalam and Hindi versions together, but we haven’t decided on those matters. There were initially some plans to start in Hindi first, but after a hint was given that this would be dealt with legally, they backed off from it.”

With scripting nearing completion and production soon to begin, fans across languages eagerly await the next chapter in the Drishyam saga.