Malayalam superstar Mohanlal on Monday, 29 June marked a significant box-office milestone as his blockbuster Drishyam 3 completed 40 days in theatres, calling the beloved franchise “a legacy that continues with trust.” The film, which has grossed over ₹330 crore worldwide, has resonated far beyond Kerala, drawing audiences across languages and regions.

Mohanlal's Message to Fans

Taking to his X timeline to mark the occasion, Mohanlal wrote: “A story that began with hope. A legacy that continues with trust. Celebrating 40 remarkable days of Drishyam 3.” The post followed an earlier milestone update on 14 June, when he shared a poster confirming the film's ₹330 crore global gross, adding: “Carried Across Generations! What began as a story from Kerala found its way across languages, borders, and millions of hearts. Thirteen years and three chapters later, this journey continues to create history. Thank you for making it your own. #Drishyam3”

Release Timeline and Background

The third instalment of the franchise was originally slated for release on 2 April 2025, but was postponed due to the tense situation persisting in the Gulf region. It eventually hit screens on 21 May 2025. Mohanlal had wrapped his shooting portions in December 2024 — a moment celebrated on set with a cake-cutting that went viral. Notably, he had begun work on the film just ahead of receiving Indian cinema's highest honour, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

The Making of Drishyam 3

The film was formally launched with a traditional puja ceremony at a law college near Kochi in September 2024. Director Jeethu Joseph revealed ahead of the launch that the film explores Georgekutty's life “after four-and-a-half years,” describing that as “the crux of the story.” Producer Antony Perumbavoor, a long-time collaborator of Mohanlal and a key force behind the franchise, said the decision to proceed with a third chapter came after extensive deliberations. “The phenomenal response to the first two parts convinced us that Georgekutty's journey had more to tell. Only after detailed talks with Jeethu did we finalise this new version,” Perumbavoor stated. The unit filmed at several locations including Thodupuzha and Vagamon, with the final five-day schedule held at Ernakulam.

A Franchise That Defined an Era

The Drishyam series has achieved cult status in Indian cinema, celebrated for its gripping suspense and Mohanlal's acclaimed portrayal of Georgekutty. The original film, released in 2013, set new benchmarks in Malayalam cinema. Its sequel, released in 2021, drew record-breaking viewership both in theatres and on streaming platforms. With the third chapter now crossing the 40-day mark, the franchise has cemented its place as one of Indian cinema's most enduring thriller sagas spanning thirteen years.

What Comes Next

With Drishyam 3 still running in theatres and the ₹330 crore figure already in the books, industry observers will watch whether the film pushes further in its extended run. The franchise's consistent performance across three instalments has made it a benchmark for sequel-driven storytelling in Indian regional cinema.