Spoiler alert: This article contains major plot details and spoilers.Drishyam 3‘. If you haven’t seen the movie yet and want to avoid spoilers, stop reading.Franchises built around suspense always have one big challenge: keeping the audience in suspense. This challenge is even tougher when the previous films are considered modern classics. ‘Drishyam 3’ tries hard to maintain the legacy created by the first two parts, but this time the familiar formula doesn’t carry the same thrill. The original films worked because the audience didn’t know Georgekutty’s next move. By the third installment, however, the audience already understands the style and pace of the franchise, and expects several twists instead of being surprised.
Jeethu Joseph He revisits the familiar ground of Georgekutty
Directed by Jeethu Joseph, the film again follows Georgekutty, played by him Mohanlal. Now he lives quietly, producing films and looking for a groom for his eldest daughter. However, the past, as usual, refuses to leave his family alone. Although the plot seems intriguing at first glance, the first part of the film drags on too long, rehashing familiar emotions and scenarios that the audience has experienced before. The film takes forever to reach its climax, stretching in many areas. Even though Jeethu Joseph tries hard to create suspense following the interval, he does not succeed as much as the other two films.Meta references and spins are fun to look at, but not very impactfulAnother interesting thing about the film is its self-awareness. It is interesting how Georgekutty creates his own movie called ‘Drishyam’ claiming it as a remake. There are also some snarky notes that only hardcore viewers can pick up on, like the one about the lead who looks like Ajay Devgn from the Hindi version of the film. This adds a breath of fresh air to the narrative. However, the problem still lies in the lack of originality in the storytelling process. Because of this familiarity, many of the twists and turns don’t create the same tension or emotional payoff that made the first films unforgettable.
Mohanlal is still going strong, but ‘Drishyam 3’ feels unnecessary
Despite the film’s shortcomings, Mohanlal once again delivers a controlled and believable performance as Georgekutty. His screen presence and emotional restraint continue to hold the film together. The climax tries to surprise the audience, and some moments still manage to arouse curiosity. However, at nearly two hours and thirty-seven minutes, the film feels longer than it should. In the end, “Drishyam 3” feels less like an exciting sequel and more like a franchise trying to outdo its legacy. The first two films stayed ahead of audiences at every turn. This time, the audience seems to be one step ahead of the movie itself.
