With Ajay Devgn returning as Vijay Salgaonkar in Drishyam: The Conclusion, it is time to revisit the twists, alibis and family secrets that shaped the first two films.
The third instalment is scheduled to arrive in theatres on October 2, bringing the Hindi Drishyam story toward its concluding chapter. Before watching the new film, here is a quick recap of what happened to Vijay and his family in the first two instalments.
Who Is Vijay Salgaonkar?
Vijay Salgaonkar, played by Ajay Devgn, is a cable operator living in Goa with his wife Nandini and their daughters Anju and Anu.
He is portrayed as an ordinary family man with an unusual interest in films. That knowledge of cinema becomes important when his family finds itself at the centre of a murder investigation.
What begins as an accidental death eventually turns into an elaborate attempt to hide the truth from the police.
What Happened in Drishyam?
The first Drishyam, released in 2015, centres on an incident involving Vijay’s elder daughter Anju.
Anju accidentally causes the death of Sam, the son of police officer Meera Deshmukh, played by Tabu. Realising the consequences the family could face, Vijay decides to protect his wife and daughters at any cost.
He constructs a detailed false timeline to convince the police that the family was away from Goa when Sam disappeared.
The October 2 Alibi Explained
The key to Vijay’s plan is the family’s fabricated October 2 alibi.
Vijay makes sure that Nandini and their daughters remember the same sequence of events. The family claims that they travelled to Panaji, attended a satsang, ate pav bhaji, watched a film and stayed at a hotel before returning home on October 3.
Vijay also arranges supporting evidence, including bills and other details, to make the story appear genuine.
The strategy creates enough uncertainty around the family’s whereabouts to prevent the police from establishing what really happened.
But Vijay takes an even bigger step to protect his family: Sam’s body is buried at the site of a newly constructed police station, making the location particularly difficult for investigators to connect to the crime.
What Happened in Drishyam 2?
Drishyam 2, released in 2022, picks up the story several years later.
Vijay and his family have attempted to move on, believing that the investigation has effectively reached a dead end. However, the case is reopened, bringing a new and formidable investigator into the picture.
Akshaye Khanna plays IG Tarun Ahlawat, a police officer with expertise in criminal psychology. His investigation puts renewed pressure on Vijay and his family.
The central conflict once again becomes a battle of strategy between Vijay and the police.
The Unexpected Witness
The investigation takes a major turn when an unlikely witness emerges.
A drug dealer on the run provides information that could potentially undermine Vijay’s carefully constructed story. However, Vijay has anticipated the possibility that the authorities could eventually locate the remains.
He has already put another plan into motion.
When the police obtain the remains and attempt to establish their identity through DNA testing, the evidence does not conclusively prove that they belong to Sam. With the crucial forensic link missing, the prosecution’s case collapses.
Vijay once again manages to protect his family.
Is Drishyam 3 Connected to the Malayalam Film?
One of the major questions surrounding Drishyam: The Conclusion is how closely the Hindi film will follow the Malayalam Drishyam 3 starring Mohanlal.
According to statements attributed to the makers, the Hindi film will follow a different storyline rather than simply reproducing the Malayalam film.
Director Abhishek Pathak said:
“What people are seeing right now in Malayalam Drishyam is different. For the Hindi audience, I have created a completely different track that will work beautifully here. The Malayalam version focuses more on family drama, while the Hindi version will lean more towards a family thriller. That’s the fabric of the film. When the trailer releases, audiences will see how different the two worlds are.”
Ajay Devgn has also described the Hindi film as “completely different” from the Malayalam version.
The two franchises are also taking different paths: the Hindi series is being presented as concluding with Drishyam: The Conclusion, while the Malayalam franchise is continuing with another instalment.
Who Is Returning in Drishyam: The Conclusion?
Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay Salgaonkar, with Shriya Saran reprising the role of Nandini.
The returning family cast includes Ishita Dutta as Anju and Mrunal Jadhav as Anu.
Tabu returns as Meera Deshmukh, while Rajat Kapoor plays her husband Mahesh.
The film also features Jaideep Ahlawat in a key role as SP Crime Branch Rajveer Singh Tomar.
Why Is Akshaye Khanna Not in Drishyam 3?
Akshaye Khanna played IG Tarun Ahlawat in Drishyam 2. However, he does not return for the third film.
According to the makers, Khanna exited the project shortly before the scheduled shoot. The filmmakers subsequently developed a new character for the story, with Jaideep Ahlawat taking on the role of Rajveer Singh Tomar.
This means the third film does not simply continue the Tarun Ahlawat character from the second instalment.
Where Can You Watch Drishyam and Drishyam 2?
If you want to revisit the franchise before heading to the theatre, the 2015 Drishyam and Drishyam 2 are available on streaming platforms.
The availability of films on streaming services can change, so viewers should check the respective platforms for the latest listings before watching.
Drishyam Recap: The Story So Far
At the centre of both films is Vijay Salgaonkar’s determination to protect his family.
The first film established his elaborate October 2 alibi after Sam’s death. The sequel then showed Vijay dealing with the possibility that investigators could finally uncover the truth.
With Drishyam: The Conclusion, the story moves into its final Hindi chapter, with Vijay facing another major challenge and a new police officer played by Jaideep Ahlawat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Vijay Salgaonkar?
Vijay Salgaonkar is the central character of the Hindi Drishyam franchise, played by Ajay Devgn. He is a cable operator in Goa who creates an elaborate plan to protect his family after his daughter becomes involved in Sam’s death.
What is the October 2 alibi in Drishyam?
The October 2 alibi is Vijay’s carefully constructed false timeline in which his family claims to have travelled to Panaji, attended a satsang, eaten pav bhaji, watched a movie and stayed at a hotel before returning home on October 3.
Who plays the new police officer in Drishyam: The Conclusion?
Jaideep Ahlawat plays SP Crime Branch Rajveer Singh Tomar, a new character introduced in the third Hindi film.
Is Drishyam: The Conclusion the final Hindi film?
Yes. The Hindi film is being presented as the concluding chapter of the franchise.
