Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3: The Conclusion is taking a different route from Mohanlal’s Malayalam Drishyam 3, marking a significant departure from the Hindi franchise’s earlier approach.
The first two Hindi Drishyam films were adaptations of Jeethu Joseph’s Malayalam films, with Ajay Devgn playing Vijay Salgaonkar and Mohanlal portraying Georgekutty in the original franchise. But with the third instalment, the two stories have moved in different directions.
Directed by Abhishek Pathak, the Hindi film is being positioned as the concluding chapter of Vijay Salgaonkar’s journey. Meanwhile, Jeethu Joseph’s Malayalam franchise continues to explore what happens next to Georgekutty and his family.
With Drishyam 3: The Conclusion releasing on October 2, here is what sets the two films apart.
Drishyam 3: Two Different Stories After Drishyam 2
The biggest difference between the two films is that Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3 is not a scene-by-scene adaptation of Mohanlal’s Malayalam Drishyam 3.
Both stories continue from the events of Drishyam 2, but the Hindi franchise has developed its own screenplay and narrative following that point.
Director Abhishek Pathak has explained that the two films are now following separate creative paths. While the Malayalam film has a stronger family-drama component, the Hindi version has been shaped as a family thriller.
That means audiences who have already watched Mohanlal’s Drishyam 3 should not expect the same sequence of events, twists or climax in Ajay Devgn’s film.
The Hindi makers have also made changes to the story and screenplay with the expectations of the Hindi-speaking audience in mind.
Why Did Ajay Devgn Call Mohanlal?
Although the two films now tell different stories, Ajay Devgn wanted Mohanlal to watch the Hindi Drishyam 3.
Speaking at FICCI Frames 2026, Devgn revealed that he personally contacted the Malayalam superstar because he wanted him to see the film and share his response.
“I called Lal (Mohanlal) sir… because I wanted him to see the film,” Devgn said.
The actor explained that the Hindi franchise had “deviated completely” from the Malayalam storyline this time, making Mohanlal’s response particularly meaningful to him.
However, Mohanlal had reportedly been away on holiday when Devgn spoke about the film and had not yet watched it. According to Devgn, the two remained in contact and Mohanlal was expected to watch the film later.
How Is Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3 Different?
There are several important distinctions between the two franchises.
1. A completely different screenplay
The Hindi Drishyam 3 has its own screenplay rather than directly reproducing the events of the Malayalam third instalment.
Both films begin from the aftermath of Drishyam 2, but they develop the characters and conflict differently from there.
2. Family thriller vs family drama
Pathak has described the Malayalam film as having a stronger family-drama element, while the Hindi version has been shaped as a family thriller.
The difference in treatment means the two films can explore similar characters and themes while arriving at different narrative destinations.
3. A different conclusion for Vijay Salgaonkar
The Hindi film has been designed as the final chapter of Vijay Salgaonkar’s story.
Pathak has also indicated that the Hindi franchise is not being planned as a continuing story leading into a fourth film. The makers have therefore treated Drishyam 3 as the culmination of Vijay’s journey.
4. Different twists and climax
Since the screenplay has been developed independently after Drishyam 2, the Hindi film features its own narrative turns and ending.
The makers have deliberately moved away from simply recreating the Malayalam film, meaning audiences familiar with Mohanlal’s version may encounter a different resolution in the Hindi film.
What Happens to Georgekutty in Mohanlal’s Drishyam 3?
The Malayalam franchise continues to take Georgekutty’s story in another direction.
Director Jeethu Joseph has indicated that the uncertainty surrounding Georgekutty forms an important part of the third film. In the first two instalments, Georgekutty was aware that the police and the family of the deceased boy were pursuing the truth surrounding the case.
The situation changes in the third film, where the mystery also involves uncertainty over whether someone is pursuing Georgekutty and, if so, who that person might be.
This creates a different narrative foundation from the one being used for Vijay Salgaonkar in the Hindi version.
Ajay Devgn Says Four Scripts Were Considered
Creating a new story after Drishyam 2 was reportedly not straightforward for the Hindi team.
Ajay Devgn has revealed that the makers considered four different scripts before settling on the final version.
The challenge was to continue Vijay’s story while retaining the suspense, unpredictability and twists that audiences associate with the Drishyam franchise.
Devgn has also said that after watching the completed film, he personally felt that Drishyam 3 was better than Drishyam 2.
Drishyam 3 Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran and More
Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay Salgaonkar, with several familiar faces reprising their roles.
The returning cast includes Tabu, Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta and Rajat Kapoor.
The Hindi third instalment also adds Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj to the franchise.
With the story now moving independently from Mohanlal’s Malayalam Drishyam 3, the Hindi film represents a significant change for a franchise that began as an adaptation of Jeethu Joseph’s original.
For audiences familiar with the Malayalam version, the biggest point to remember is simple: Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3 and Mohanlal’s Drishyam 3 are no longer telling the same third chapter. Both continue the legacy of Drishyam 2, but their stories, treatment and conclusions take different paths.
