Introduction: Drishyam 3 delivers a meaningful message but struggles to recreate the gripping magic and smart storytelling that made the earlier films unforgettable.
Drishyam 3 review by Kausalya Rachavelpula
The Drishyam franchise has always been known for its clever storytelling, emotional depth, and edge-of-the-seat suspense. The first film became a benchmark for Indian thrillers, while the sequel managed to continue the story in a satisfying way. Because of that legacy, expectations from Drishyam 3 were naturally very high. Unfortunately, this third installment does not completely live up to those expectations.
The biggest issue with the film is its writing. The story clearly wants to say something meaningful about truth, guilt, family, and survival, and the philosophy behind the film is actually strong and interesting. However, good ideas alone are not enough to create a gripping thriller. The screenplay lacks the sharpness and intensity that made the earlier parts so engaging. Many scenes feel stretched, and the emotional moments do not leave the impact they are supposed to.
One of the strongest points of the earlier films was how every scene felt important. Small details slowly built tension and led to surprising twists. In Drishyam 3, that magic is missing for a large part of the movie. The narrative moves slowly, and instead of creating suspense, several moments become predictable. Viewers familiar with the franchise may easily guess where the story is heading, which reduces the excitement.
The last thirty minutes are probably the most interesting part of the film. The movie finally gains some momentum and tries to deliver the thriller experience audiences expect from the franchise. There are a few engaging moments, and the emotional conflict becomes clearer. Still, even this section feels somewhat tiring because the film takes too long to reach that point. By the time the climax arrives, the impact feels weaker than it should have been.
Mohanlal once again delivers a sincere performance as Georgekutty. His screen presence and calm acting style continue to be the backbone of the franchise. Even when the writing feels weak, he manages to keep certain scenes watchable. The supporting cast also performs well within the limitations of the script. However, strong performances cannot fully save a story that lacks freshness and tension.
Director Jeethu Joseph deserves credit for trying to continue a beloved franchise with a deeper emotional message rather than relying only on suspense. The intention behind the film is admirable. It wants audiences to think about morality, justice, and the emotional burden carried by its characters. Sadly, the storytelling does not support these themes strongly enough. The message becomes diluted because the screenplay fails to maintain consistent engagement.
Another problem is that the film feels slightly forced, as if it exists mainly because the earlier movies were successful. Instead of naturally expanding the story, some portions feel repetitive. At times, it seems the franchise is trying too hard to recreate the same formula rather than exploring something truly new. This is disappointing because the makers clearly have the talent to create original thrillers outside the Drishyam universe as well.
That said, Drishyam 3 is not a terrible film. It still has moments that fans of the franchise may appreciate, especially those emotionally attached to the characters. The core idea behind the movie is thoughtful, and there are glimpses of the intelligence that made the earlier films special. But compared to the first two parts, this installment feels far less effective and memorable.
Overall, Drishyam 3 is a decent watch for franchise fans, but it does not reach the brilliance of its predecessors. The film carries a meaningful message and a few engaging moments, yet weak writing and predictable storytelling stop it from becoming the gripping thriller audiences hoped for.
