Director: Jeethu Joseph
Cast: Mohanlal, Meena, Siddique, Murali Gopi, Kalabhavan Shajohn, Asha Sharath, Veena
Nandakumar, Santhi Mayadevi, Dinesh Prabhakar, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil
Genre: Drama/ Thriller
Rating: 7/10
Over the last decade, if you were to ask a Malayali which film best captures plot twists and edge-of-the-seat drama, the answer would undoubtedly be the Drishyam franchise. Helmed by Jeethu Joseph and powered by Mohanlal’s towering presence, the series has redefined the thriller space—proving that even the most unassuming family drama can coil into a masterclass of suspense, delivering shocks that linger long after the credits roll.
The third instalment has just hit theatres and largely lives up to expectations, though it comes with a few hiccups along the way.
Drishyam 3 picks up with Georgekutty (Mohanlal) and his family trying to live a quiet life after the events of the second film, seemingly free from the shadows of the past. However, forces continue to operate behind the scenes, and how Georgekutty deals with these new threats forms the crux of the story.
Let’s get this out of the way — Drishyam 3 is a genuinely engaging drama-thriller. Jeethu Joseph once again strikes a fine balance, infusing the screenplay with just enough tension and unease to keep audiences constantly on edge without making it exhausting.
The entire cast delivers strong performances, and having followed these characters since 2013, the emotional investment runs deep. Kalabhavan Shajohn, reprising his role as Sahadevan, stands out with one of the film’s most compelling performances.
Yet, as always, it is Mohanlal’s Georgekutty who remains the heart and soul of the film. He once again demonstrates why he has been a pillar of Mollywood for over four decades.
One of the film’s more compelling aspects is its willingness to confront the moral cost of Georgekutty’s actions. It forces both the character and the audience to acknowledge the collateral damage on all sides in his relentless effort to protect his family — a layer that feels both necessary and refreshing.
That said, Drishyam 3 is far from perfect. It falls short of the narrative brilliance that defined Drishyam 2.
The final act, in particular, becomes overly convoluted. With too many plot threads, characters and twists crammed into a short span, the film risks leaving viewers more confused than impressed. A key scene is retold multiple times in an attempt to underline Georgekutty’s ingenuity, but instead ends up feeling unnecessarily complex and difficult to follow.
Still, the film redeems itself with a final twist that is likely to surprise audiences — no spoilers here.
Despite its flaws, Drishyam 3 remains an engrossing watch and reinforces Jeethu Joseph’s mastery over the crime-thriller genre. It is best experienced on the big screen rather than waiting for an OTT release.