‘Drishyam 3’ Telugu Remake Faces Uncertainty as Release Timelines Tighten
The much-anticipated third instalment of the Drishyam franchise is already generating significant conversation across Indian cinema, but the Telugu remake now appears to be entering uncertain territory. While the Malayalam original is scheduled to arrive in cinemas in April 2026, the Telugu adaptation starring Venkatesh has yet to commence production, raising questions about timing and market impact.
Venkatesh has been closely associated with the Drishyam brand in Telugu, having headlined the previous two instalments to both commercial success and critical appreciation. His portrayal of the protective family man navigating moral dilemmas resonated strongly with regional audiences. However, the delay in launching the third chapter’s remake may complicate matters.
One major concern surrounds the shrinking window between the Malayalam release and subsequent adaptations. In today’s digital age, films often make their way to streaming platforms shortly after their theatrical run. If Drishyam 3 follows a similar pattern, viewers across linguistic markets may already be familiar with key plot twists well before the Telugu version reaches screens. For a suspense thriller that relies heavily on tension and surprise, this could significantly dilute its appeal.
Adding to the complexity is the Hindi adaptation of Drishyam 3, which is reportedly slated for release in October 2026. With multiple versions arriving within months of one another, audience fatigue becomes a genuine possibility. The core storyline will remain largely the same across languages, and repeated exposure may weaken the novelty factor that previously drove strong box-office returns.
Industry observers note that earlier instalments benefited from comparatively wider gaps between releases, allowing each version to generate its own momentum. This time, however, the accelerated cycle of production, streaming, and pan-Indian viewership could alter that dynamic. Social media discussions, reviews, and spoilers may circulate rapidly, making it difficult for remakes to preserve narrative secrecy.
For Venkatesh, who has carefully selected projects in recent years, the decision to proceed with Drishyam 3 carries both opportunity and risk. On one hand, the franchise enjoys a loyal fan base in Telugu states. On the other, shifting viewing habits and overlapping release schedules may pose commercial challenges.
Whether the makers opt to fast-track production or rethink strategy remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the Telugu version of Drishyam 3 must navigate a far more competitive and spoiler-driven environment than its predecessors.
