Drishyam 3 Released to Mixed Reviews, Mohanlal Praised

Drishyam 3, the much-anticipated third installment in the popular Malayalam crime thriller franchise, officially premiered in theaters on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Directed by Jeethu Joseph, the film stars superstar Mohanlal reprising his iconic role as Georgekutty, alongside Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Murali Gopy, Siddique, and Asha Sarath, all returning to their established characters. The release date held special significance, coinciding with Mohanlal's 66th birthday, turning the premiere into a celebratory event for fans across India and globally. The film's launch was met with considerable hype, evident from its strong advance booking figures. Worldwide pre-sales reportedly crossed ₹21 crore gross, with some estimates suggesting a global opening day gross of over ₹35 crore, potentially making it one of the biggest opening days in Malayalam cinema history. 'Drishyam 3' also achieved the feat of becoming the second-highest Malayalam pre-seller on BookMyShow, trailing only behind 'L2: Empuraan,' another Mohanlal-starrer. The movie was released not only in its original Malayalam but also in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada dubbed versions, extending its reach to a broader pan-Indian audience. It also secured a substantial international release, hitting over 1500 screens across 66 countries. However, the critical reception for 'Drishyam 3' has been mixed, leaning towards positive for Mohanlal's performance but offering considerable criticism for the screenplay. While India Today's headline suggests the film 'impresses audience,' a deeper look into various reviews reveals a more nuanced picture. Many critics, including those from The Hindu and Great Andhra, have termed it the 'least effective film of the franchise' or the 'weakest part of the series,' citing a screenplay that prioritizes drama over the signature intelligence and clever twists of its predecessors. The Hindu review specifically noted that Mohanlal's 'interpretation of Georgekutty's character saves the film from getting completely bogged down by director Jeethu Joseph's outdated visual style and heavy-handed drama.' Similarly, NDTV's contextual article mentioned that while it is a 'Mohanlal Show All The Way,' Jeethu Joseph's screenplay is 'a let-down.' Conversely, some reviews offered a more favorable view. The Quint described 'Drishyam 3' as a 'Solid Third Chapter' and a 'worthy continuation of Georgekutty's journey,' praising the film for delivering an 'unputdownable thriller' and a visceral, emotionally resonant story. The Times of India also reported that the film 'earns praise' and 'impresses audience,' particularly highlighting strong performances and engaging sequences. Despite the screenplay's perceived shortcomings, Mohanlal's portrayal of Georgekutty has been universally lauded, with critics agreeing that his nuanced performance is a major saving grace and keeps the audience invested throughout the film's two-hour and thirty-nine-minute runtime. The plot of 'Drishyam 3' is set approximately four and a half years after the events of 'Drishyam 2'. Georgekutty has transitioned into a new phase of his life, becoming a film producer. His debut film, loosely based on the incidents that shaped his family's past, becomes a success, inadvertently drawing the spotlight back onto him. The narrative sees the return of old adversaries, including Varun's grieving parents, Geetha and Prabhakar, and the suspended policeman Sahadevan, all seeking revenge or justice. As Georgekutty prepares for his elder daughter Anju's marriage, the family's dark past continues to haunt them, threatening to derail their future. The film explores Georgekutty's internal struggles and the emotional toll his actions have taken on him and his family. Interestingly, while it was widely speculated that 'Drishyam 3' would serve as the conclusion to the franchise, the film's ending strongly hints at the possibility of a 'Drishyam 4.' Director Jeethu Joseph had previously stated that a fourth installment would only materialize if there was a genuinely compelling narrative reason, not merely for financial gain. The climax of 'Drishyam 3' leaves open threads, with characters like Geetha still seeking ultimate justice, suggesting that Georgekutty's struggles may be far from over. For those unable to catch it in theaters, 'Drishyam 3' is expected to have its digital premiere on Amazon Prime Video. Reports suggest an OTT release in late June or early July 2026, following a theatrical window of approximately 30 to 35 days. The film continues the legacy of a franchise that began with 'Drishyam' in 2013 and 'Drishyam 2' in 2021, both of which garnered critical acclaim and significant box office success, with 'Drishyam 2' being particularly lauded as 'one of the best ever sequels in Indian cinema.' Despite the mixed reviews for its third outing, 'Drishyam 3' remains a significant event in Indian cinema, a testament to the enduring appeal of Georgekutty's story and Mohanlal's captivating portrayal.

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