After the huge success of Drishyam and Drishyam 2, expectations for Drishyam 3 were naturally very high. Writer-director Jeethu Joseph returns with another chapter in the life of Georgekutty, a man who has spent years protecting his family from the consequences of a crime. Unlike the earlier films, which relied heavily on suspense and shocking twists, Drishyam 3 focuses more on the emotional and psychological struggles of its characters. The film explores how the past continues to affect people, proving that some memories never truly disappear.
Story and Screenplay
Several years have passed since the events of the previous films. Georgekutty and his family are trying to move forward with their lives. Georgekutty has entered the film industry and has even produced a movie inspired by his own story. Meanwhile, the family’s main concern is finding a suitable marriage alliance for Anju. However, their dark past continues to haunt them, making it difficult to begin a new chapter.
Unlike the first two films, where Georgekutty knew exactly what danger he was facing, this time he is uncertain about who is targeting him and from where the threat is coming. The film shifts its attention from mystery-solving to examining the emotional burden carried by Georgekutty and his family. It also gives importance to people whose lives were affected by Georgekutty’s actions in the past.
Although the film contains several interesting ideas and emotional moments, the screenplay often feels uneven. It struggles to balance family drama and crime thriller elements. Some promising subplots are introduced but not explored deeply enough. At times, the narrative feels stretched, and certain characters who appear important early on gradually fade into the background.
Acting Performances
Mohanlal once again proves why Georgekutty remains one of the most memorable characters in Malayalam cinema. His performance captures the vulnerability, guilt, fear, and determination of a father who is constantly trying to protect his family. Unlike the confident mastermind seen earlier, this version of Georgekutty appears tired, emotionally burdened, and more human. Mohanlal portrays these layers with remarkable ease, especially during the film’s emotional climax.
Meena continues her role as Rani with consistency and conviction. Ansiba Hassan presents a more mature and calmer version of Anju, while Esther Anil receives more scope in the family dynamics and delivers a commendable performance.
Siddique brings added emotional depth to Prabhakar, whose pain has transformed him significantly over the years. Kalabhavan Shajohn makes a strong return as Sahadevan and leaves a notable impact. Murali Gopy, Irshad, and the supporting cast perform their roles effectively. However, Veena Nandakumar’s performance, particularly her dialogue delivery, feels less convincing and becomes one of the weaker aspects of the film.
Direction
Jeethu Joseph deserves appreciation for attempting a fresh approach instead of repeating the formula of the earlier films. Rather than focusing solely on twists and clever tricks, he explores the emotional consequences of Georgekutty’s actions and the psychological scars carried by various characters.
However, the execution is not always successful. The film introduces several meaningful themes, such as guilt, accountability, and the inability to escape the past, but many of these ideas remain only partially developed. While the emotional direction is refreshing, the film occasionally loses focus and momentum.
Technical Aspects
From a technical standpoint, Drishyam 3 is not as impressive as expected. The cinematography lacks the visual strength associated with a major Mohanlal film. Several close-up shots, unusual camera angles, and an overly polished visual style reduce the natural feel of the film. Continuity issues between scenes also become noticeable.
The editing is satisfactory, but the pacing could have been tighter, especially in the middle portions. Despite these shortcomings, the final act is handled effectively, creating genuine tension and emotional weight.
Music and Background Score
Anil Johnson returns as the music composer and maintains the familiar atmosphere of the franchise. The background score supports the emotional and suspenseful moments effectively, although it does not reach the memorable heights of the previous films. The music serves the story well without becoming a standout element.
Overall
Drishyam 3 is not the thrilling masterpiece that the first two films were, nor does it attempt to be. Instead, it presents a more emotional and introspective look at Georgekutty’s life. The film examines the consequences of living with a secret and the emotional cost of protecting one’s family for years.
While the screenplay suffers from inconsistency, underdeveloped subplots, and technical weaknesses, Mohanlal’s outstanding performance and the film’s emotionally powerful climax prevent it from falling apart. The movie may disappoint viewers expecting another twist-heavy thriller, but those interested in understanding Georgekutty’s inner struggles will find enough substance to appreciate. Rating: 3.5/5