Malayalam cinema icon Mohanlal has commenced shooting for Drishyam 3, the highly anticipated third installment in the blockbuster Drishyam franchise. The film's launch coincided with the announcement that Mohanlal would receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest honor in cinema.
The production formally began on September 22, 2025, with a traditional puja ceremony held at a law college near Kochi. Following the ceremony, Mohanlal traveled to New Delhi to be presented with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony on Tuesday. He is only the second Malayali to receive this honor, following filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan.
Drishyam 3 is directed by Jeethu Joseph, who also helmed the previous two films. According to the producers, the film is slated for release in March 2026. Meena will reprise her role in the third installment. Further cast and crew details are expected to be revealed soon.
Director Jeethu Joseph shared insights into the film's direction, stating that Drishyam 3 will delve into the life of Georgekutty, the central character played by Mohanlal, exploring the events that unfold four and a half years after the previous film. Joseph also noted a shift in genre, describing the film as more of a family drama than a thriller, focusing on the evolution of Georgekutty's family life. Mohanlal acknowledged the suspense element of the film, hinting that Georgekutty will create some trouble.
The Drishyam series has enjoyed phenomenal success, with the first film, released in 2013, setting new benchmarks in Malayalam cinema. Drishyam 2, which premiered in 2021, garnered record-breaking viewership both in theaters and on streaming platforms. The series' popularity has transcended linguistic barriers, with remakes in Hindi, Telugu, and other languages.
Mohanlal expressed his gratitude for receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, considering it a tribute to the entire Malayalam film industry. He acknowledged the contributions of the artists and technicians he has collaborated with throughout his career. With a career spanning over four decades, Mohanlal has acted in films across various genres and languages, earning numerous accolades, including National Film Awards, the Padma Shri, and the Padma Bhushan.
