Kochi | January 16, 2026
Mohanlal’s highly anticipated film ‘Drishyam 3’ (Malayalam) is rewriting box-office history even before its theatrical release. According to reports dated January 15, 2026, the film has amassed an unprecedented ₹350 crore in pre-release business, making it one of the biggest deals in Indian cinema.
₹350 Crore Pre-Release Business: The Breakdown
‘Drishyam 3’ has achieved a record-setting commercial milestone driven by massive demand across multiple markets:
✔ Digital & Satellite Rights – ₹180+ Crore
Disney+ Hotstar has acquired the OTT streaming rights at a premium price.
Asianet secured the satellite broadcasting rights, contributing to a significant portion of the total revenue.
✔ Hindi Dubbing & Remake Rights
Given the enormous success of the original franchise in Hindi (starring Ajay Devgn), the Hindi dubbing and remake rights were sold at record-breaking prices.
✔ Overseas Distribution Rights
Mohanlal’s strong fan base in the Gulf countries and the United States led to exceptionally high demand for overseas theatrical rights.
This combination has propelled ‘Drishyam 3’ to blockbuster status even before hitting theaters.
📌 FRANCHISE BUZZ & INDUSTRY DISCUSSIONS
Link With Ajay Devgn’s Hindi ‘Drishyam 3’
Film industry insiders reveal two major discussions:
1. Possible Simultaneous Release Window
Producers are considering releasing the Malayalam and Hindi versions around the same time to avoid spoilers spreading across languages.
2. Drishyam Cinematic Universe?
Rumors suggest that a “Drishyam Universe” may be in development, where:
Georgekutty (Mohanlal)
Vijay Salgaonkar (Ajay Devgn)
may appear in a crossover storyline at some stage.
📌 “Drishyam 3” May Be the Final Chapter
Director Jeethu Joseph has hinted in interviews that this could be the last instalment of the Drishyam franchise. He teased that the climax will be “shocking” and emotionally intense.
📌 RELEASE SCHEDULE
Malayalam Version
Scheduled for August 2026, targeting an Onam theatrical release.
Hindi Version
As per the deal between Abhishek Pathak and Jeethu Joseph, Ajay Devgn’s ‘Drishyam 3’ will release 2–3 months after the Malayalam version.
📌 CONFIRMED STAR CAST
Mohanlal as Georgekutty
Meena as Rani
Ansiba Hassan and Esther Anil as Anju and Anu
New Antagonist: Reports indicate a top Malayalam or Tamil superstar is being considered to play a brilliant investigative officer.
📌 STORY RUMORS & SPECULATION
Legal Battle Ahead?
Industry insiders claim the plot may revolve around:
The discovery of the IG’s skeleton,
A court trial,
And whether Georgekutty will surrender or outsmart the system once again.
Climax
Jeethu Joseph reportedly described the ending as “mind-numbing” and emotionally devastating.
📌 OTT & DIGITAL DETAILS
Disney+ Hotstar to stream the film 45–60 days after theatrical release.
Hindi dubbed version may arrive later due to the Hindi remake’s timeline
