'Drishyam' Franchise: A Case Study in Remake Success and Theatrical Staying Power

Ajay Devgn is set to return as Vijay Salgaonkar in 'Drishyam 3,' slated for release on October 2, 2026. This announcement signals another chapter in a franchise that has become a benchmark for successful remakes in Indian cinema and a testament to the enduring appeal of theatrical crime thrillers. The film, directed by Abhishek Pathak, will reportedly feature the original ensemble cast, including Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Rajat Kapoor.

The 'Drishyam' franchise originates from the 2013 Malayalam-language film of the same name, starring Mohanlal. The core concept, revolving around a resourceful family man who goes to extreme lengths to protect his family after an accidental death, resonated deeply with audiences. This led to remakes in multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. The Hindi version, starring Ajay Devgn, debuted in 2015 and quickly gained popularity, establishing its own identity while staying true to the source material.

The success of 'Drishyam' (2015) was significant, earning ₹110.40 crores worldwide against a reported budget of ₹48 crore. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. 'Drishyam 2' (2022) proved to be an even bigger hit, grossing an estimated ₹342 crore worldwide. This growth demonstrates the franchise's increasing popularity and the audience's continued investment in the Salgaonkar family's story. The box office figures highlight the commercial viability of well-executed remakes when adapted for a pan-Indian audience.

The announcement of 'Drishyam 3' so far in advance, coupled with the tagline "Aakhri hissa baaki hai," suggests a carefully planned strategy. Releasing the film on October 2nd, a date already associated with the franchise, further reinforces its brand identity. The long lead time allows for significant anticipation and marketing efforts, maximizing audience engagement.

While details about the plot remain scarce, the promise of new twists and turns indicates that the filmmakers are aiming to keep the narrative fresh and engaging. The return of the original cast is crucial for maintaining continuity and satisfying long-time fans. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. Paresh Rawal has reportedly rejected a role in the third installment. This decision, whatever the reason, reflects the choices actors make based on script, character arc, and other professional considerations. This decision will not doubt change the direction of the story, and offer new opportunities to other actors.

The 'Drishyam' franchise is notable for its ability to resonate with audiences across different regions and languages. It underscores the importance of strong storytelling, compelling characters, and effective adaptation in achieving commercial success. The franchise's enduring popularity also reinforces the continued relevance of theatrical releases in an era increasingly dominated by streaming platforms.

Editor’s note: This article was independently written by the Scoopliner Editorial Team using publicly available information.