Drishyam 3 Review: Mohanlal Delivers Another Suspense Masterpiece?
On May 21, 2026 — coinciding perfectly with Mohanlal’s birthday — one of Malayalam cinema’s most beloved franchises returned with Drishyam 3. Directed once again by Jeethu Joseph, the film reunites audiences with Georgekutty, the calm, calculating family man who became a cultural icon after the massive success of Drishyam (2013) and Drishyam 2 (2021). Four-and-a-half years after the events of the second film, Georgekutty’s carefully built world faces new threats from the past.
As someone who grew up watching Mohanlal dominate the screen and followed this series closely, I walked into the theatre with high expectations mixed with slight nervousness. Can lightning strike three times? Here’s my honest, no-spoiler review after watching the film on release day.
The Story (No Major Spoilers)
Drishyam 3 picks up with Georgekutty (Mohanlal) leading a seemingly peaceful life with his family in Kerala. The events of the previous films still cast a long shadow. New challenges emerge that force Georgekutty to dig deep into his bag of tricks once more. Jeethu Joseph has described the film as an “emotional thriller” rather than one relying solely on clever twists, and that description fits perfectly.
The story explores themes of family bonds, guilt, protection, truth, and the heavy price of secrets. While the first film focused on the perfect crime and the second on living with its consequences, the third part feels more personal and introspective. Georgekutty isn’t just outsmarting the police this time — he’s confronting his own past and the emotional toll on his loved ones.
The screenplay builds slowly in the first half, focusing on family dynamics and everyday life, before ramping up tension significantly after the interval. The climax delivers the kind of satisfying payoff fans expect from this franchise, though some moments lean more toward emotional resolution than pure mind-bending surprises.
Performances: Mohanlal at His Peak
Mohanlal once again owns the role of Georgekutty. At 66, his screen presence remains commanding. He brings layers of quiet intensity, subtle expressions, and that signature calm demeanor that makes Georgekutty so compelling. Whether he’s sharing light moments with his family or calculating his next move, Lalettan delivers a performance that feels both familiar and fresh.
Meena as Rani Georgekutty is solid and emotional, carrying several heartfelt scenes beautifully. Ansiba Hassan and Esther Anil (as the daughters) have grown with their characters and get meaningful arcs. Supporting cast members like Asha Sharath, Murali Gopy, Siddique, and others add weight to the narrative. The chemistry among the core family members feels authentic and lived-in.
Direction, Technical Aspects & Music
Jeethu Joseph’s direction is confident. He knows this world inside out and takes his time to let the story breathe. The film runs approximately 2 hours 39 minutes, which feels right for the emotional depth he wanted to explore.
Cinematography captures both the serene village settings and the tense investigative moments effectively. The background score enhances suspense without overpowering the storytelling. While the film doesn’t have a typical song-and-dance routine, the emotional tracks land well.
Pacing is the one area where opinions might divide. The first half moves deliberately, setting up characters and new conflicts. Those expecting non-stop twists from the beginning might feel it’s slow, but it pays off in the second half with stronger momentum and a gripping finale.
Box Office Buzz & Public Reaction
Drishyam 3 has created massive pre-release hype. Advance bookings crossed ₹25-30 crore worldwide even before the first show, making it one of the biggest openings in Malayalam cinema history. On its opening day, the film is expected to gross over ₹35-40 crore globally, riding on strong theatre response, especially in Kerala, Gulf countries, and overseas markets.
Early audience reactions are mostly positive. Many praise the emotional core, Mohanlal’s performance, and the satisfying closure to the trilogy. Some viewers noted the slower first half but appreciated the overall impact and strong interval block. Family audiences and fans of intelligent thrillers are connecting well.
Strengths and Minor Weaknesses
What Works Best:
- Mohanlal’s magnetic performance
- Emotional depth and family drama
- Strong second half and impactful climax
- Faithful to the spirit of the franchise while trying something new
- Technical polish and realistic setting
Areas That Could Have Been Better:
- Slightly slow pacing in parts of the first half
- A few predictable moments for die-hard fans of the series
- Some supporting characters could have received deeper exploration
Final Verdict: 4/5
Drishyam 3 is a worthy conclusion to one of Indian cinema’s most successful thriller franchises. It may not reach the pure shock value of the first film, but it delivers a more mature, emotional, and satisfying experience overall. Jeethu Joseph and Mohanlal have once again proven why this combination clicks so well with audiences.
If you loved the first two parts, this one is a must-watch. Even if you haven’t seen the previous films (though I strongly recommend you do), the story stands strong on its own while rewarding longtime fans.
This isn’t just another sequel — it feels like a heartfelt farewell to a character who has become part of Malayalam cinema folklore. Georgekutty’s journey ends on a high note, leaving audiences both thrilled and emotionally moved.
Rating Breakdown:
- Story & Screenplay: 4/5
- Performances: 4.5/5
- Direction: 4/5
- Technical Aspects: 4/5
- Entertainment & Impact: 4/5
Overall: 4/5 — Strongly Recommended!
Whether you watch it on the big screen this weekend or plan for it later, Drishyam 3 proves that good storytelling and powerful performances still reign supreme in cinema. Mohanlal’s birthday gift to fans is a winner.
Have you watched Drishyam 3 yet? What did you think of the climax and Georgekutty’s final decisions? Share your thoughts in the comments below (no spoilers please for those who haven’t seen it!). And Happy Birthday once again to the legend Mohanlal!
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