The Central Board of Film Certification has cleared director Jeethu Joseph's third instalment of the blockbuster Drishyam franchise for release with a U/A 13+ certificate. The Malayalam thriller, headlined by superstar Mohanlal, will release worldwide on 21 May 2026, following a postponement from its originally scheduled 2 April date owing to regional tensions in the Gulf.

What the teaser reveals

The film's promotional teaser opens with recaps of the first two instalments, each told from a different perspective. George Kutty (Mohanlal's character) narrates the first film's recap, recounting how he protected his family from an unwanted intruder. The second instalment's recap is voiced by a policeman, hinting at the cat-and-mouse dynamic that defined that chapter. In the new footage, George Kutty is shown praying in a church, confessing fear about unknown threats: "Now, I am scared, sir. I don't know who else is out there watching!"

A rattled protagonist

Unlike the earlier two films, where George Kutty displayed quick thinking and composure under pressure, the teaser suggests he enters the third chapter in a state of vulnerability and anxiety. The narrative hints that his past actions have unintended consequences, setting up fresh challenges that may test whether his trademark presence of mind can still serve him.

Production and timeline

Mohanlal completed his portions in December 2025, an occasion celebrated with a cake-cutting ceremony that circulated widely on social media. Director Jeethu Joseph formally launched the project in September 2025 with a traditional puja ceremony at a law college near Kochi. Filming took place across multiple Kerala locations including Thodupuzha, Vagamon, and Ernakulam, with the final schedule spanning five days in the latter.

Why the franchise matters

The Drishyam series has achieved cult status in Indian cinema for its layered storytelling, intricate suspense mechanics, and Mohanlal's nuanced performance. The first film, released in 2013, redefined Malayalam thriller conventions. Its 2021 sequel drew record-breaking viewership across theatres and streaming platforms, validating producer Antony Perumbavoor's decision to greenlight a third chapter. According to Perumbavoor, the decision came only after "extensive discussions" with director Joseph, confirming that George Kutty's arc had untold chapters.

The four-and-a-half-year jump

Director Jeethu Joseph has revealed that the narrative jumps 4.5 years into George Kutty's life, exploring how he has evolved—or deteriorated—in the interim. This temporal shift allows the story to explore consequences of his earlier actions while introducing fresh antagonists and moral dilemmas. The film's release on 21 May marks the franchise's return to cinemas after a five-year gap since the second instalment.