'Drishyam 3' exclusive update: Shooting schedules of Malayalam and Telugu versions locked

Arguably the biggest crime thriller franchise in India, Jeethu Joseph's Drishyam series starring Mohanlal was an unprecedented combination of content and box office wreckage. When the first part released in Malayalam in 2013, nobody expected it to create the kind of benchmarks it eventually did. The second part had the misfortune of coming during the COVID19 pandemic, restricting it to a direct OTT release but it did sensational business in the digital space, enhancing the already soaring mileage that the franchise had gained from the first part.

While the Malayalam version couldn't hit the theaters due to pandemic, its Hindi and Telugu counterparts did, and also reaped success. Venkatesh and Ajay Devgan, who played the lead roles in the first two parts for the Telugu and Hindi versions, are all set to reprise their roles in the third installment. The latest reports suggest that Jeethu has locked the dates for starting the shoot of the Malayalam and Telugu versions. Initially, there were thoughts of the Malayalam and Hindi versions being shot at the same time, like a bilingual but those talks appear to have fallen off.

As things stand, there is no clarity yet on when the Hindi version will go on the floors. However, the Malayalam and Telugu versions of Drishyam 3 have their schedules locked. Jeethu will shoot the Malayalam version first, the shoot of which is expected to start from September 17 to November 10 this year. Once the Malayalam version is completed, Jeethu will shift his attention to the Telugu version which shall begin its shoot mid-November. After this, Jeethu will take a call on the Hindi version that will start early 2026 with all the three versions expected to hit screens in the latter half of 2026. The Hindi version has already announced its release date as well - October 2, 2026.

Needless to say, Drishyam 3 is one of the most anticipated Indian films of 2026 and all eyes will be on what new dimension Jeethu can bring to the film and its lead character.