Mohanlal turns 66: Jackie Shroff wishes 'Mohan Garu' as Drishyam 3 releases
Synopsis
Mohanlal's 66th birthday doubled as the release day of Drishyam 3, making 21 May 2026 a landmark moment for Malayalam cinema. Jackie Shroff's warm 'Mohan Garu' wish on Instagram underscored the cross-industry affection for the superstar, as fans across India lined up for the franchise's third chapter.
Key Takeaways
Mohanlal turned 66 on 21 May 2026 ; Jackie Shroff wished him 'Mohan Garu' via an Instagram Story .
Drishyam 3 , directed by Jeethu Joseph and produced by Antony Perambavoor , released theatrically on his birthday.
The film is the third instalment in the Drishyam franchise, following Drishyam 2 ( 2021 ); the full principal cast returns.
Mohanlal shared a BTS video on X on 14 May 2026 , previewing the film ahead of release.
Jackie Shroff , 69 , has appeared in over 250 films and will next be seen in Welcome To The Jungle directed by Ahmed Khan .
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal celebrated his 66th birthday on Thursday, 21 May 2026, with veteran Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff among the first to extend warm wishes, calling him 'Mohan Garu' in a heartfelt Instagram post. The birthday also marked the theatrical release of Drishyam 3, the actor's latest film, making it a doubly significant day for fans across India.
Jackie Shroff's Birthday Wish
Jackie Shroff posted a photograph of Mohanlal on his Instagram Stories, showing the Malayalam star looking sharp in a grey suit. The caption read: 'Happy birthday Mohan Garu.' The term 'garu' is an honorific in Telugu culture, reflecting the deep mutual respect between the two veterans. Shroff, who has been a presence in Hindi cinema for over four decades and has worked across more than 250 films, is known for his warmth toward co-stars and peers.
Drishyam 3 Hits Screens on His Birthday
The release of Drishyam 3 on Mohanlal's birthday was no coincidence — the makers had announced the 21 May 2026 date well in advance as a gift to fans. Directed by Jeethu Joseph, the film is the third instalment in the acclaimed Drishyam franchise, following the 2021 blockbuster Drishyam 2. The entire principal cast returns, including Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Murali Gopy, Siddique, and Asha Sarath. The film is produced by Antony Perambavoor.
On 14 May 2026, Mohanlal shared a behind-the-scenes video on his X timeline, writing: '#Drishyam3 - Behind The Scenes Worldwide Release | May 21st 2026.' The clip offered glimpses of lighter moments on set, costume preparations, director Joseph issuing shot instructions, and producer Perambavoor in relaxed conversation with the unit.
About Jackie Shroff
The 69-year-old actor made his acting debut with an uncredited role in Swami Dada (1982) before breaking through as a lead in Hero, which made him an overnight star. He went on to appear in a string of hits including Ram Lakhan, Tridev, Khalnayak, Rangeela, Border, and Bandhan, among many others. He was most recently seen in Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Mera, starring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday. He is set to appear next in director Ahmed Khan's ensemble comedy Welcome To The Jungle, which features a cast including Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, and several others. Shroff is also the father of Bollywood action star Tiger Shroff.
Mohanlal at 66
Mohanlal remains one of the most decorated actors in Indian cinema, with a career spanning over four decades in Malayalam and other regional industries. The Drishyam franchise, in particular, has cemented his status as a box-office force beyond Kerala. With Drishyam 3 releasing on his birthday, the day carried both personal and professional significance — a milestone birthday doubling as a major cinematic event.
Point of View
And the Drishyam team has executed it with precision. Mohanlal at 66 is not coasting — anchoring a third chapter of one of Malayalam cinema's most commercially reliable franchises signals continued box-office relevance that few actors in any language can claim at this stage. Jackie Shroff's affectionate 'Mohan Garu' wish is a small but telling detail: it reflects how Mohanlal commands respect not just within Kerala but across the broader Indian film industry. Whether Drishyam 3 sustains the franchise's narrative quality, or trades on nostalgia, will be the real story once the opening-weekend numbers come in.
NationPress
9 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Mohanlal in 2026?
Mohanlal turned 66 on 21 May 2026. He is one of Malayalam cinema's most celebrated actors, with a career spanning over four decades.
What is Drishyam 3 and when did it release?
Drishyam 3 is the third instalment in the Drishyam franchise, directed by Jeethu Joseph. It released theatrically on 21 May 2026 — Mohanlal's 66th birthday — and is a sequel to the 2021 film Drishyam 2.
Who is in the cast of Drishyam 3?
The film stars Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Murali Gopy, Siddique, and Asha Sarath, all reprising their roles from the previous two instalments. It is produced by Antony Perambavoor.
How did Jackie Shroff wish Mohanlal on his birthday?
Jackie Shroff posted a photograph of Mohanlal on his Instagram Stories with the caption 'Happy birthday Mohan Garu.' The term 'garu' is a Telugu honorific reflecting deep respect.
What is Jackie Shroff's next film?
Jackie Shroff will next appear in Welcome To The Jungle, an ensemble comedy directed by Ahmed Khan. The film features a large cast including Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, and several others.
