Mohanlal's Drishyam 3 Review: Familiar Suspense with Mixed Impact

The acclaimed director Jeethu Joseph, who impressed audiences with the first two Drishyam films, returns with the third installment, bringing back Mohanlal as Georgekutty. While the previous two films enjoyed tremendous success and critical acclaim, expectations were sky-high for Drishyam 3. Mohanlal, fresh from several successful roles, carries the franchise’s weight once again.

Did Jeethu Joseph maintain his winning formula? Does Mohanlal deliver the nuanced performance fans anticipate? Is the screenplay fresh enough to keep the suspense alive? How does the technical side complement the narrative? Let's find out.

Drishyam 3 follows Georgekutty (Mohanlal), who finally produces a film starring superstar Arun Kumar (Biju Menon). As media attention intensifies, two reporters dig into Georgekutty’s past, seeking clues about Varun’s fate. Meanwhile, Georgekutty plans his daughter Anju’s (Ansiba Hassan) marriage. The unraveling of these events forms the core of the story.

Mohanlal once again excels as Georgekutty, effortlessly portraying the calm yet cunning protector of his family. Ansiba Hassan as Anju and Esther Anil add emotional depth, though their roles are limited. Supporting actors like Siddique and Asha Sharath deliver steady performances, maintaining the film’s grounded feel.

Anil Johnson’s music and background score are subtle but effective, enhancing tension. Satheesh Kurup’s cinematography captures the film’s moody atmosphere well, while Vinayak VS’s editing keeps the pace steady, particularly in the second half.

Positives:

1. Mohanlal’s commanding and nuanced performance.
2. Engaging second half with increased tension.
3. Technical aspects like BGM and cinematography complement the mood.

Negatives:

1. Storyline feels repetitive, mirroring previous films.
2. Predictable climax lacking the franchise’s trademark surprises.
3. First half is slow and heavy on setup, affecting engagement.

Jeethu Joseph’s writing here feels like a retread of the second film’s structure, causing a sense of fatigue despite attempts to introduce new plot elements. Compared to earlier Drishyam films that set high suspense standards, this installment struggles to deliver fresh thrills. Similar Telugu thrillers have managed to balance novelty and tension better in recent years.

Final Verdict: Familiar Suspense, Mixed Impact Rating – 3/5