Director Jeethu Joseph announces Malayalam crime-thriller will hit theatres in first week of April, ahead of October Hindi remake
The much-anticipated third installment of the blockbuster Drishyam franchise is set to arrive sooner than expected. Director Jeethu Joseph has officially confirmed that Drishyam 3, featuring Mohanlal in the lead role, will release in April 2026—a full six months before Ajay Devgn’s Hindi version hits screens in October.
Early Release Announcement Surprises Fans
Joseph made the announcement during a hospital inauguration event, revealing that the Malayalam crime-thriller has already wrapped shooting. “The film will be available to watch in theatres in the first week of April. The official release announcement will be made soon,” the director stated.
The confirmation puts to rest earlier speculation that both the original Malayalam version and the Hindi remake would release simultaneously. The Hindi version, starring Ajay Devgn, is scheduled for October 2, 2026.
Check Out: Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3 Gets October 2026 Release Date: ‘Aakhri Hissa Baaki Hai’
Director Urges Audiences to Watch Without Expectations
In an interesting appeal to fans, Jeethu Joseph requested viewers approach the film with an open mind. “Drishyam is a film that has influenced a lot of people over the years. It carries a huge weight of expectations within itself, and I ask everyone to watch it without any big expectations,” he explained.
The director’s cautionary note reflects the massive success of the franchise’s previous installments, which became cultural phenomena across multiple languages.
Story Continues 4.5 Years After Drishyam 2
Speaking at the film’s launch, Joseph revealed key details about the narrative timeline. “The story picks up four and a half years after the events of the last film. It explores what happens next in Georgekutty’s life. Fans can expect a continuation that stays true to the suspense and emotions they loved in the first two films.”
This timeline positions Drishyam 3 as a direct continuation of the gripping saga that has kept audiences on the edge of their seats through two successful films.
Additional Project on the Horizon
Joseph also announced another release before Drishyam 3. His film Valathu Vashathe Kallan is set to hit theatres on January 30, 2026. “I am confident it will be a good movie,” the director added.\
Mohanlal Returns as Georgekutty
The Malayalam superstar Mohanlal reprises his iconic role as Georgekutty, the character that has become synonymous with the franchise. His last theatrical release was Nanda Kishore’s Vrusshabha.
The Drishyam series has achieved remarkable success across multiple Indian film industries, with remakes in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. The franchise’s unique blend of family drama and crime thriller elements has resonated with audiences nationwide.
With shooting completed and the April release date confirmed, fans of the franchise can mark their calendars for what promises to be another compelling chapter in Georgekutty’s story. The six-month gap between the Malayalam original and Hindi remake ensures audiences will experience the story first in its original form before the Bollywood adaptation arrives later in the year.
