Drishyam 3 Review: Mohanlal Delivers Powerful Performance in an Emotional Thriller
Drishyam 3 Review
After redefining the thriller genre with Drishyam and Drishyam 2, director Jeethu Joseph returns with the much-awaited third chapter of the franchise. Expectations surrounding Drishyam 3 were naturally sky-high because the earlier films did not just entertain audiences — they became benchmarks for suspense storytelling in Indian cinema. Fans eagerly waited to see how Georgekutty’s story would conclude and whether the family would finally escape the shadows of their painful past.
The film opens with Georgekutty, played once again by Mohanlal, attempting to live a stable and respectable life. No longer the small-town cable operator from the first film, Georgekutty has transformed into a successful film producer. Ironically, he has even made a movie inspired by his own life story, titled Drishyam, which turns into a massive blockbuster. On the surface, his life appears successful and secure, but internally, the fear of exposure still controls him and his family.
This lingering tension continues to haunt every member of the household. Rani, portrayed by Meena, desperately wants normalcy for her daughters, especially Anju, who is still emotionally scarred by the traumatic events of the past. Finding a suitable groom for her becomes increasingly difficult because rumours about her mental health continue to spread. These emotional struggles add depth to the story, but they also highlight how deeply the family remains trapped by secrets they can never fully escape.
At the same time, Georgekutty begins sensing that someone may once again be trying to uncover the truth. The fear that once made him sharp and calculated has now evolved into exhaustion and paranoia. Unlike the earlier films where Georgekutty always seemed several steps ahead of everyone else, Drishyam 3 presents a more vulnerable and emotionally drained version of the character. This shift is perhaps one of the film’s strongest aspects.
Director Jeethu Joseph deserves credit for exploring the psychological burden carried by Georgekutty after years of hiding the truth. The emotional fatigue visible in the protagonist gives the story a more human touch. However, while the emotional writing works in parts, the screenplay itself struggles to maintain the gripping momentum that made the first two films unforgettable.
The biggest issue with Drishyam 3 is pacing. Much like Drishyam 2, the film takes its time building tension, but this time the payoff is not equally rewarding. The first half moves at a very slow pace and lacks the clever twists and shocking revelations audiences associate with the franchise. Several scenes feel unnecessarily stretched, making the lengthy runtime more noticeable.
The screenplay revisits many familiar characters from the earlier films, which adds nostalgia, but it also creates moments where the narrative feels repetitive. The suspense elements are present, but they are far less impactful compared to the nail-biting storytelling of the previous installments. For long stretches, the film feels more like a family drama than a gripping thriller.
Thankfully, the climax injects some much-needed intensity into the narrative. The final portions of the film manage to recapture the tension and emotional weight that defined the franchise. The climax is engaging and satisfying enough to leave viewers emotionally invested, although one cannot help but wish the same energy had been maintained throughout the entire film.
Despite the screenplay’s shortcomings, Mohanlal once again proves why he remains one of India’s finest performers. His portrayal of Georgekutty is subtle, restrained, and deeply compelling. Through silence, expressions, and body language, he perfectly captures a man who has spent years living under constant fear. His tired eyes and cautious behaviour communicate more than lengthy dialogues ever could.
One of the most interesting aspects of Georgekutty’s character remains the moral ambiguity surrounding him. Is he a hero protecting his family, or a man trapped by his own lies? The film continues to explore this duality effectively. Audiences empathise with Georgekutty because his actions are driven by love and protection, yet the emotional cost of those decisions becomes painfully visible in this chapter.
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Meena delivers a sincere performance as Rani, portraying the anxieties of a mother trying to hold her family together. Meanwhile, Ansiba Hassan and Esther Anil also perform convincingly as the daughters who have grown older and more emotionally mature since the earlier films. Their performances help maintain the emotional core of the story.
On the technical side, Drishyam 3 remains visually consistent with the franchise. Cinematographer Satheesh Kurup keeps the storytelling grounded and realistic, while Anil Johnson’s background score successfully enhances moments of tension and emotional conflict. However, the editing could have been much sharper. A tighter runtime would have significantly improved the film’s overall impact and pacing.
Ultimately, Drishyam 3 may not reach the extraordinary heights of its predecessors, but it still succeeds because of its emotional depth and Mohanlal’s commanding performance. The film focuses less on shocking twists and more on the emotional consequences of living with buried secrets for years. While thriller lovers may find the screenplay underwhelming, longtime fans of Georgekutty’s journey will still find enough reasons to stay invested.
The movie reminds audiences that protecting loved ones often comes with a heavy emotional price, and that morality is rarely black and white. Even though the suspense feels less intense this time around, Drishyam 3 remains a meaningful conclusion to one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated thriller franchises.
Here are some sample audience reactions with names included for a more engaging review section:
- Umesh Kumar: “Mohanlal once again proves why he is one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema. His performance alone keeps the film engaging.”
- Rajeev Sharma: “The emotional scenes worked really well for me, especially the family moments. But I honestly expected more twists and suspense.”
- Razi: “Drishyam3 is a gripping thriller from start to finish. Interval and climax made theatres explode.”
#Drishyam3 is a gripping thriller from start to finish. Interval and climax made theatres explode 🔥👏#Mohanlal is on another level no actor comes close. Far better than Part 2
Jeethu delivers a masterclass with his vision, writing, and direction. A classic crime thriller 🫡🔥 pic.twitter.com/z59cyVDMwS
— razi. (@iamrazi18) May 21, 2026
