Drishyam 3 The Conclusion: Why Ajay Devgn’s popular Hindi franchise is ending before Mohanlal's Malayalam franchise

“Iss baar khatra aur bhi bada hai…” - this is the message Drishyam 3 has for fans as Ajay Devgn prepares to return as Vijay Salgaonkar. The actor is gearing up for the third and final film in the popular Hindi franchise, Drishyam 3: The Conclusion, which is slated to hit theatres on October 2. Unlike the first two Hindi films, the upcoming movie will not be a remake of the Malayalam Drishyam 3. Instead, the Hindi and Malayalam franchises are now following separate stories. While Mohanlal’s Malayalam franchise is moving ahead with its own narrative, Ajay Devgn’s Hindi version will bring Vijay Salgaonkar’s story to a conclusion. So, why is the Hindi franchise ending before the Malayalam one? Here’s what we know.

Why is Drishyam 3 taking a different route?

The first two Hindi Drishyam films were remakes of Mohanlal and Jeethu Joseph’s Malayalam movies. However, the third instalment is taking a different path.


The Malayalam Drishyam 3, directed by Jeethu Joseph, is following a separate storyline, while Abhishek Pathak’s Hindi version is being presented as a family thriller. This means audiences will not see the same story being adapted in two languages this time.



The director had earlier explained that the Malayalam and Hindi versions have now moved into different narrative territories. According to the filmmaker, the Malayalam franchise has its own story to take forward, while the Hindi film has been designed around what its audience expects from the franchise.

Ajay Devgn called Mohanlal before making the film

The change in direction also made Mohanlal’s reaction important for Ajay Devgn. Speaking at FICCI Frames 2026, the actor revealed that he personally contacted Mohanlal before proceeding with the new film.

Mohanlal plays Georgekutty in the original Malayalam Drishyam films, the character on whom Ajay’s Vijay Salgaonkar is based in the Hindi franchise.

Ajay said, "I called up Mohanlal sir, because I wanted him to see the film. They do such a great job and this time we've diverted completely. So for me, I thought that, a kind of an approval from him would be nice. So I wanted him to see the film and he's on a holiday. So he was very sweet and then we kept interacting. I think he's going to watch the film soon there."

According to Ajay, Mohanlal was on holiday when they spoke, but the two continued to stay in touch. The actor added that Mohanlal was expected to watch Drishyam 3 soon.

Why is the Hindi Drishyam franchise ending?

The biggest question surrounding Drishyam 3 is why the Hindi franchise is being concluded while the Malayalam series continues.

Ajay has indicated that the filmmakers felt this was the right point to close Vijay Salgaonkar’s story. The upcoming film will once again revolve around the question of whether Vijay can remain ahead of the people trying to uncover the truth or whether they will finally manage to outsmart him.

The actor has also already watched the film and shared his reaction. Ajay said he personally felt the third part was better than the first two films. He also recalled that the team had never imagined that the Drishyam films would grow into such a successful franchise.

For the Hindi makers, the aim appears to be to give Vijay and his family a proper conclusion rather than continue the story simply because the franchise has a strong audience.

No more Hindi Drishyam after this?

Director Abhishek Pathak has also been clear about the future of the Hindi franchise. In an earlier interview with Hindustan Times, he explained, "I think they (Malayalam franchise) might have a story which they want to take forward. And obviously, the story is moving in two different trajectories. They have a completely different screenplay and story going on."

That makes Drishyam 3 particularly major for fans of Ajay Devgn’s Vijay Salgaonkar.

Drishyam 3 release date and cast

Drishyam 3: The Conclusion is scheduled to release in theatres on October 2, 2026. Abhishek Pathak is directing the film, with Ajay Devgn returning as Vijay Salgaonkar.

The cast also includes Tabu, Shriya Saran, Jaideep Ahlawat, Rajat Kapoor, Prakash Raj, Ishita Dutta and Mrunal Jadhav.

With the Hindi and Malayalam franchises now telling different stories, it remains to be seen how Vijay Salgaonkar’s final chapter unfolds, and what Mohanlal thinks of the Hindi film when he eventually watches it.