Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn has revealed that he is eager for Malayalam superstar Mohanlal to watch 'Drishyam 3' — officially titled 'Drishyam The Conclusion' — and share his honest feedback, adding that the Hindi franchise's third chapter is built on an entirely original script rather than an adaptation of its Malayalam counterpart.

Ajay Devgn on the Mohanlal factor

Speaking at the film's trailer launch, Devgn was candid about the weight of following a franchise rooted in Mohanlal's landmark originals. “In fact, I would like to say that this film is a big challenge for us because, with Mohanlal sir and Joseph, this is the first film — the third, actually. The second was also, in a way, inspired by the original. But this is a completely different script. So, their three are completely different. Our film is completely different. It’s not like we’ve made a few changes; it’s completely different,” he said.

Devgn added, “So, I want Mohanlal sir and Joseph to see the film because I would also like their approval, you know, that they love it. That would make me very happy.” The remarks underline both the reverence the Hindi team holds for the original Malayalam series and the creative distance they have deliberately sought to establish with this third instalment.

Why the third film almost did not happen

Devgn also disclosed that the team was far from certain a third chapter would materialise after the success of 'Drishyam 2'. He explained that the franchise's intricate structure — built on layered twists and a continuous narrative — made sequels extraordinarily difficult to engineer. “I think after 'Drishyam 2,' we didn’t know whether this film would be made or not. Because it’s not a film where you work out a script and say, 'Let’s make a sequel.' It has to have the twists and turns, and being in the same area, starting the story from where it ended, taking it forward and making it so intriguing and interesting, I think it’s nearly impossible,” he said.

Director Abhishek Pathak and two and a half years of writing

The breakthrough, according to Devgn, came when director Abhishek Pathak arrived with a concept that the entire team immediately responded to. Pathak then spent two and a half years developing the script with his writers before the project was greenlit. “Abhishek came with a thought. We all liked it. He worked with the writers for two and a half years. He worked very hard, and he came out with a script which I really think Abhishek had cracked. It was brilliant. It is brilliant,” Devgn said.

Devgn also confirmed that the team views this third film as the definitive end of the Hindi franchise. “We all also felt that there should be a conclusion. Because I don’t think we should even attempt to go beyond this,” he said, echoing the film’s subtitle. He praised Pathak’s visible creative growth across the franchise, noting that the execution of this chapter reflects a filmmaker who has matured considerably within the 'Drishyam' universe.

Cast, release date, and what to expect

'Drishyam The Conclusion', directed by Abhishek Pathak, features an ensemble cast including Jaideep Ahlawat, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Prakash Raj, Kamlesh Sawant, Ishita Dutta, and Mrunal Jadhav alongside Devgn. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on 2 October 2026, a national holiday that has historically proved a strong commercial window for Hindi films. Given the franchise’s track record — 'Drishyam 2' was among the biggest box-office performers of its release year — expectations for the conclusion are considerable.