Drishyam 3 Updates: Producers Tease Major Differences Between Ajay Devgn and Mohanlal Versions

Drishyam 3 makers tease big difference between Ajay Devgn and Mohanlal versions as the highly anticipated franchise prepares for its third installment. Producers Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak recently shared insights into how the Hindi adaptation will stand apart from the Malayalam original starring Mohanlal. While the Drishyam series has traditionally followed the same narrative across different languages, the upcoming film will see a departure in terms of treatment, screenplay, and overall tone to better serve the Hindi-speaking audience.

A Different Palette for the Hindi Audience

Director and producer Abhishek Pathak explained that while the core story remains the same, the execution will be tailored. He mentioned that the Malayalam version, directed by Jeethu Joseph, is primarily a family drama that focuses heavily on Georgekutty’s internal fear and emotions. However, for the Hindi version featuring Ajay Devgn as Vijay Salgaonkar, the team has introduced several changes. Pathak noted that the Hindi audience has a different "taste and palate," which prompted the team to transform the narrative into more of a high-stakes family thriller rather than a pure drama.

October 2 and the Release Strategy

The release strategy for the two versions is also quite different. The Malayalam original is scheduled to hit theaters on May 21, 2026, coinciding with superstar Mohanlal's birthday. In contrast, the Hindi version is slated for a theatrical release on October 2, 2026. This date, known as Gandhi Jayanti, has become legendary within the franchise because of the iconic "What happened on October 2?" plot point. The makers have labeled this "Drishyam Day" and believe it is the perfect time to bring Vijay Salgaonkar’s next chapter to the big screen.

Major Casting Changes in the Hindi Version

There are also notable updates regarding the cast of the Hindi film. Reports suggest that Jaideep Ahlawat has joined the project in a pivotal new role, while Akshaye Khanna, who played a major part in the second installment, will not be returning. Additionally, veteran actor Prakash Raj has been cast in an undisclosed but significant role. On the other hand, the Malayalam version sees the return of the original family cast, including Meena, Ansiba Hassan, and Esther Anil, maintaining the continuity of Georgekutty’s domestic life.

The Creative Process and Climax

Abhishek Pathak revealed that the writing process for Drishyam 3 was unique because they had to finalize the climax before even drafting the rest of the script. He emphasized that a Drishyam film cannot be written in a straightforward manner; it requires a shocking and well-earned ending that leaves the audience astonished. By making these changes to the screenplay and treatment, the makers aim to ensure that even those who watch the Malayalam version first will find something new and surprising in Ajay Devgn’s Hindi adaptation.

Expansion into Malayalam Cinema

Kumar Mangat Pathak also spoke about Panorama Studios' expansion into Malayalam cinema. He revealed that the team spent nearly a year and a half researching and meeting with writers to understand the nuances of the industry. Their goal was not just to remake films but to collaborate deeply with the original creators. This collaboration has allowed them to invest in the Malayalam version while simultaneously developing a distinct identity for the Hindi film.

The anticipation for both versions remains incredibly high. With the Malayalam trailer already sparking discussions about Georgekutty's "search in the dark," fans of the Hindi franchise are eagerly waiting to see how Vijay Salgaonkar will handle the new threats facing his family. Whether it is through a shift in genre or new character dynamics, the makers are confident that both versions will succeed on their own merits.