Drishyam 3 Review: Mohanlal’s emotional psyche and tense moments make the thriller an apt addition to the franchise

Drishyam 3, starring Mohanlal in the lead role, was released in theaters on May 21, 2026, coinciding with the superstar’s 66th birthday. The film serves as the third installment of the Drishyam franchise and is directed by Jeethu Joseph.

If you’re planning to watch the movie in theaters this week, here’s the Pinkvilla review for you to check out.

The Plot

Drishyam 3 is set after the events of Drishyam 2, with Georgekutty living his life as a theater owner and film producer. Drawing inspiration from his own family’s story, the man has created a film called Drishyam, which has become the talk of the town.

As Georgekutty and his family return to a sense of normalcy, he may have inadvertently drawn too much attention, as many begin to draw parallels between the movie and his own life. As the tale unravels into a tense situation, Georgekutty fears his secret might be unearthed, affecting his psyche to the fullest, especially with traditional media and social media going after him.

The movie explores whether the man manages to survive, protect his family once again, and what price he has to pay for it.

What works in Drishyam 3

Drishyam 3 is exactly what it was presented as in the trailer. The film follows the same pattern as its predecessors in the franchise, with the first half taking its time to set up the world and reintroduce the characters, while the intensity and tension rise after the interval.

With Mohanlal headlining the movie, the actor delves deeper into the character, exploring the true colors of his personality. Over time, Georgekutty has become knee-deep in tension and fear while trying to protect his family, always staying wary of what might come next. Such a burden is bound to take a toll on any person, and that emotional depth becomes the central backbone of the film, making it an impressive addition to the franchise.

In Drishyam and Drishyam 2, Georgekutty comes across as almost superhuman, giving audiences goosebumps with the way he executes his plans. However, the Georgekutty of Drishyam 3 is different, and his humane metamorphosis presents a much frailer and more exhausted version of the man, allowing Mohanlal to truly excel.

Another major asset of Drishyam 3 is writer-director Jeethu Joseph. The film may not be as edge-of-the-seat thrilling as its earlier installments. However, similar to the prequels, the momentum and awe factor only continue to rise from the interval block to the film’s closing moments.

Watch the trailer:

What doesn’t work in Drishyam 3

Drishyam 3, as mentioned earlier, suffers from a sluggish first half, which may be off-putting for several viewers, even though this has been the case with the previous installments as well. While the first film still remains the pinnacle of the franchise, this movie does add more value to the narrative by exploring certain unresolved territories and unexplained details from the earlier chapters. However, the question still arises as to how much more can be extracted from these films and the central character.

Despite having its share of twists and turns, the screenplay’s biggest flaw is its melodramatic dialogue. While Mohanlal manages to overcome these moments with his years of experience and delivery, the same cannot be said for some of the other characters, making the film occasionally feel like an overdramatic soap opera.

Moreover, the technical aspects of the film are somewhat underwhelming. The cinematography and music feel merely passable, while the editing could have been much tighter, especially in the first half.

The Performances

Drishyam 3 is the perfect birthday gift from Mohanlal to his fans. The actor truly reinvents himself, despite already being a legend of the craft, and completely surrenders to the layers and nuances of the character. Unlocking newer facets of Georgekutty, Lalettan delivers a masterclass in acting, proving that this character, in his hands, will always stay one step ahead of everyone else.

Apart from the ‘Mighty L’, Siddique shines to a great extent with his portrayal of a grieving father mourning the loss of his son while watching his wife fall apart. The manner in which his character unfolds adds further depth to the narrative.

Moreover, several supporting actors, including Meena, Murali Gopy, and Veena Nandakumar, contribute valuable substance to the story.

The Verdict

Drishyam 3 may not carry the same punch as the first installment, but it still remains an engaging and entertaining crime thriller. With its share of impressive moments, the film makes for a worthwhile theatrical watch, even if it is just to experience Mohanlal’s acting brilliance and/or Jeethu Joseph’s writing.

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