What is the story about?
Ajay Devgn's Drishyam 3: The Conclusion is taking a different road from Mohanlal's Malayalam Drishyam 3, marking a major departure for the Bollywood franchise.
While the first two Hindi films were adaptations of Jeethu Joseph's Malayalam originals, the third instalment is no longer following the same storyline. Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay Salgaonkar, while Mohanlal continues as Georgekutty in the Malayalam franchise. The Hindi film, directed by Abhishek Pathak, has been designed as the final chapter of Vijay's story. As Drishyam's Hindi version releases on October 2, Devgn also revealed that he personally contacted Mohanlal and wanted him to watch the film and give his approval.
Drishyam 3: Two different stories
The major difference is that Drishyam 3, starring Ajay Devgn, is not a direct remake of the third film of Mohanlal's Malayalam franchise. Director Abhishek Pathak has confirmed that the two franchises are now on completely different paths. Both movies start from where Drishyam 2 ended, but their stories, scripts and treatment take a different turn thereafter.
Pathak has described the Malayalam film as having a stronger family-drama component, while the Hindi version has been moulded as a family thriller. The Hindi team also made changes in the story and screenplay to suit its audience. This means that if you have seen Mohanlal's Drishyam 3, do not expect the same scenes, twists, or climax in Ajay Devgn's film.
Why did Ajay Devgn ask permission from Mohanlal?
The two movies were different stories, but Ajay Devgn wanted Mohanlal to watch the Hindi movie. At FICCI Frames 2026, Devgn said that he had personally called Mohanlal because he wanted the Malayalam star to see the film and give his approval. "I called Lal (Mohanlal) sir... because I wanted him to see the film," he said.
This time the Hindi team has "deviated completely" and getting Mohanlal's approval would mean a lot, Devgn asserted.
Though there was one complication: Mohanlal was apparently on holiday and hadn't had a chance to watch the film yet when Devgn spoke about it. Devgn said that Mohanlal has been in touch and is expected to watch it later.
What's different about Ajay Devgn's Drishyam 3?
The Hindi Drishyam 3 has some basic differences from the Malayalam one. One, it has a different screenplay altogether. Both films continue from Drishyam 2, but the Hindi film has its own script and does not adapt the third Malayalam film scene-by-scene. This means Mohanlal's version is more of a family drama, while the Devgn film has been made as a family thriller.
Even an alternate ending brings a major difference. The Hindi film is conceptualised as the culmination of Vijay Salgaonkar's journey. Pathak also confirmed that the Hindi franchise will not continue with a fourth film. This makes the treatment adapt to the Hindi audience. The makers said they changed the story and screenplay, keeping in mind the expectations of Bollywood viewers.
Georgekutty reaches another level in Mohanlal's Drishyam 3
Georgekutty's story continues on its own in Mohanlal's Drishyam 3. Its director, Jeethu Joseph, pointed out that it is unclear what's going to happen to Georgekutty now. In the first two movies, the character knew that the police and the family of the dead boy were after him. In the third movie, though, he doesn't know if anyone's behind him, or who they might be.
That premise gives the Malayalam film its own mystery, separate from the narrative being built for Devgn's Vijay Salgaonkar.
Ajay Devgn rejected four scripts before Drishyam 3
As per reports, the team worked hard to come up with a new story for the Hindi franchise. Talking about the film, Ajay Devgn said that the team went through four different scripts before finalising the final one. The challenge was to continue Vijay's story post Drishyam 2 and yet retain the twists, unpredictability and suspense which the franchise is known for. Devgn has also said that after seeing the finished film, he felt personally that it was better than Drishyam 2.
Drishyam: The Conclusion cast has Ajay Devgn returning as Vijay Salgaonkar, along with Tabu, Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta and Rajat Kapoor reprising their roles. Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj are new additions to the franchise.
![Box office report [Sept 30]: The Paradise crosses Rs 100 crore, Hanuman Ansh nears Rs 411 crore worldwide](https://g-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/fc/image/r_B1Can_vUb0.webp)
