Drishyam 3, the latest installment in the Hindi adaptation of the acclaimed Malayalam franchise, is slated for release on October 2, 2026.
Presented by Star Studios and produced by Panorama Studios, the film is directed by Abhishek Pathak, who co-wrote the script with Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. Producers include Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak, and Abhishek Pathak.
Filming is currently underway at multiple locations, with the original cast—Ajay Devgn, Tabu, and Shriya Saran—returning, alongside other prominent actors. The makers have promised heightened suspense and intense drama in the third chapter.
The sudden exit of actor Akshaye Khanna from the film has generated widespread discussion. In an interview with ETimes, director Abhishek Pathak explained that Khanna left five days before shooting began, despite approving the look, costumes, and narration, and enjoying the story.
Pathak said: “People around him suggested he should now focus on projects that revolve entirely around him. I wish him all the best and would say—try doing a solo film now.”
Attempts to resolve the issue were unsuccessful, with Pathak noting: “I stopped trying because he seemed to be on some other planet.” A key point of disagreement was Khanna’s insistence on wearing a wig, which Pathak felt disrupted the film’s continuity. Khanna is currently experiencing success with Dhurandhar.
Actor Rajat Kapoor, reprising his role as Mahesh Deshmukh—the husband of Tabu’s character, Meera Deshmukh—shared a humorous take on his character in the upcoming film. In an interview with SCREEN, he dismissed the idea of a character arc, joking that his role mainly involved standing behind Tabu, with nothing new to explore this time. Kapoor also reflected on frequently playing government officials in films, including a senior income tax officer in Raid 2 and a police officer in Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders. He noted that such roles can feel limiting when lacking depth, contrasting them with more layered characters that offer greater scope.
The Drishyam franchise has established Ajay Devgn’s Vijay Salgaonkar as a memorable on-screen figure—a common man who uses intelligence and emotional resilience to protect his family.