As anticipation builds around Mohanlal’s upcoming film ‘Drishyam 3’, the producers behind the franchise have offered fresh insight into the evolution of the project, and why the Hindi adaptation starring Ajay Devgn will chart a distinctly different narrative path. Producers Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak spoke about their deepening connection with Malayalam cinema, the development process behind the latest instalment, and how both versions diverge despite beginning at the same narrative point.
In conversations with ANI, the makers explained how their creative journey led them into the Malayalam industry, while also confirming the expected release timeline for the Hindi remake. Mohanlal’s version is set for a worldwide theatrical release on 21 May, while Ajay Devgn’s ‘Drishyam 3’ is being readied for an October 2 release, a date that has become synonymous with the franchise’s pivotal events.
Entry into Malayalam cinema
Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak revealed that the team’s interest in Malayalam cinema grew significantly during the pandemic, when they found themselves consuming a wide variety of films from the industry. According to him, this period marked a turning point.
“When the lockdown started, we watched a lot of Malayalam films. We realised that the content there is very good. Different types of films are being made and appreciated there. After that, our entire team sat together and carried out research for one and a half years. We met people and writers.”
He explained that this extensive groundwork paved the way for Panorama Studios’ entry into the Malayalam market. “Then we planned everything and presented Panorama. We were already producing two to three films. We became a part of Malayalam cinema thanks to Mr Anthony, Mr Mohanlal and Mr Jacob. We worked on it together. We are releasing our film worldwide. Apart from that, we have many more films lined up.”
Hindi version targeting October 2 release
Director-producer Abhishek Pathak also offered clarity on the Hindi adaptation’s timeline. According to him, the team intends to release Ajay Devgn’s ‘Drishyam 3’ on a date that fans have come to associate with the franchise.
“Drishyam 3 will be released on October 2. It is Drishyam Day – a date associated with the film. I think the Hindi version of the film will be released on that date. We are currently preparing for it. It is in post-production.”
Watch trailer:
Why the Hindi and Malayalam versions will differ
Although both films begin exactly where ‘Drishyam 2’ left off, Abhishek Pathak stressed that viewers should expect notable differences in tone, style and storytelling between the Malayalam and Hindi adaptations.
He said the team had approached the screenplay with the distinct preferences of the Hindi-speaking audience in mind. “You will understand the difference only when you watch the Hindi trailer. The story in ‘Drishyam 2’ ended at a certain point, and ‘Drishyam 3’ begins from there. The Malayalam version also starts from that point. The Malayalam version is more of a family drama. As Jeethu Joseph told us during the launch, the story is very good for the Malayalam audience, and they will like it. We liked it a lot too, which is why we invested in this project.”
The director added that tailoring the narrative was essential for the Hindi market. “Our Hindi audience has a different taste and palate. We made changes in ‘Drishyam 2’ as well, and the audience appreciated them. We have also made changes to the story and screenplay for this instalment, and the audience will notice the difference.”
The ‘Drishyam’ franchise has become one of India’s most recognisable thriller series. Centred on Georgekutty and his family, the story revolves around their efforts to evade suspicion after the son of a high-ranking police officer disappears. Since the release of the first Malayalam film in 2013, the franchise has earned critical acclaim for its clever writing and unexpected turns, inspiring remakes in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and other languages.
About ‘Drishyam 3’
‘Drishyam 3’ will pick up from where ‘Drishyam 2’ ended, continuing the story of Georgekutty and his family as they try to lead a normal life in the aftermath of the earlier events. Meena, Ansiba Hassan and Esther Anil reprise their roles as members of Georgekutty’s family, while Tabu, Shriya Saran and Ishita Dutta are also set to feature in pivotal roles. However, Akshaye Khanna will not return for the third instalment.
The Hindi adaptation of ‘Drishyam’ was directed by Nishikant Kamat and released in 2014. Following Kamat’s death, Abhishek Pathak helmed ‘Drishyam 2’, which went on to emerge as a major box-office success.
Meanwhile, the Malayalam version of ‘Drishyam 3’, starring Mohanlal, is being directed by Jeethu Joseph. The film also stars Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Asha Sharath, Siddique and Murali Gopy in key roles. Anticipation surrounding the project remains high, with audiences keen to see how the third chapter performs commercially.
Published: 12 May 2026, 10:23 am IST
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