Kochi, India – May 22, 2026 – Mohanlal’s highly anticipated crime thriller, "Drishyam 3," has commenced its cinematic journey with a robust global opening, crossing the ₹75 crore gross mark worldwide within its initial two days of release. Despite a noticeable dip in collections on Friday compared to its opening day, the film, a continuation of the beloved "Drishyam" franchise, has demonstrated significant audience traction, particularly within its native Malayalam market. Meanwhile, news of the Hindi remake, featuring Prakash Raj stepping into a pivotal role, adds another layer of anticipation to the franchise’s continued success.
The film, which opened to a wave of excitement and critical discourse, has garnered a complex, yet largely positive, reception. While early reviews have highlighted its intricate plotting and Mohanlal’s masterful performance, the box office figures for Friday indicate a recalibration in audience attendance after the initial surge. However, the overall financial performance remains a testament to the franchise’s enduring appeal and the star power of its lead.
A Strong Opening, Followed by a Friday Fluctuation
"Drishyam 3" premiered with an impressive opening, setting a strong foundation for its box office run. While precise figures for the opening day are not detailed in the initial report, the subsequent performance on Friday paints a clearer picture of its trajectory. According to industry trackers, the film experienced a decline of approximately 31.5% in its Friday collections compared to its Thursday debut.
On Friday, the film is estimated to have grossed ₹10.85 crore nett across India, playing in an estimated 4,886 shows. This brings the cumulative India gross collections to ₹30.94 crore and the net collections to ₹26.70 crore. The international box office also contributed significantly, with overseas collections on Friday reaching ₹20.00 crore, pushing the total overseas gross to ₹45.00 crore. Cumulatively, in just two days, "Drishyam 3" has achieved a worldwide gross collection of ₹75.94 crore.
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This initial performance, while showing a dip, is not unusual for a film that garners substantial opening day numbers. The "Drishyam" franchise has consistently relied on word-of-mouth and sustained audience interest, suggesting that the Friday dip might be a temporary phase before a potential weekend resurgence.
Language-Specific Performance Highlights Regional Dominance
The multilingual release strategy of "Drishyam 3" has yielded distinct performance patterns across different language versions, underscoring the deep-rooted popularity of the franchise in its original and dubbed markets.
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The Malayalam version continues to be the undisputed leader, contributing the lion’s share of the film’s collections. It reportedly garnered ₹9.65 crore on Friday with an impressive average occupancy of 61%. This indicates a fervent audience base in Kerala eager to witness Mohanlal’s return to the iconic Georgekutty character.
The Telugu version registered ₹70 lakh in collections with an occupancy of 18%. While significantly lower than the Malayalam original, this still represents a notable performance in a market that has previously embraced the "Drishyam" narrative.
The Tamil version collected ₹40 lakh with an occupancy of 29%. This suggests a steady, albeit smaller, audience engagement in Tamil Nadu.
The Kannada version, meanwhile, saw the lowest collection, earning ₹10 lakh with an occupancy of 19%. This indicates a more niche appeal for the film in the Kannada-speaking regions.
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The disparity in language-wise performance is a clear indicator of the original film’s cultural impact and Mohanlal’s unparalleled stardom in the Malayalam film industry. The success of the dubbed versions, however, demonstrates the universal appeal of the gripping "Drishyam" narrative.
Looking Ahead: Weekend Projections and the ₹100 Crore Milestone
Industry analysts and trade experts are optimistic about "Drishyam 3’s" performance over the upcoming weekend. Given the current trajectory and the typical weekend surge for successful films, it is projected that the movie will experience significant growth on Saturday and Sunday.
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Early estimates suggest that "Drishyam 3" could gross an additional ₹80-85 crore worldwide by the end of Saturday. The film is widely expected to breach the ₹100 crore gross mark globally on Sunday, capitalizing on the extended weekend period. This sustained performance would solidify its position as a commercial success and further cement the "Drishyam" franchise’s legacy.
The film’s ability to sustain audience interest through word-of-mouth and positive reviews will be crucial in its long-term box office run. The intricate plot, known for its suspense and unexpected twists, often encourages repeat viewings and drives theatrical attendance.
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A Glimpse into the Hindi Remake: Prakash Raj Completes Shoot
In parallel to the Malayalam release, the production of the Hindi remake of "Drishyam 3" is also making significant strides. Veteran actor Prakash Raj has reportedly completed his shoot for the film, sharing his enthusiasm with his followers on social media. This development adds another dimension to the ongoing "Drishyam" narrative, promising a fresh adaptation for the Hindi-speaking audience.
Prakash Raj, who is said to be stepping into a role previously portrayed by Akshaye Khanna in the Hindi version, shared his experience via a tweet:
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"#Drishyam3 Hindi 🎬 Just wrapped up a fantastic shoot with a wonderful team… thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this film. I’m sure you’ll love it too… on to the next one. @AbhishekPathakk @KumarMangat @PanoramaMovies [Image of the movie poster/set]"
This update from Prakash Raj signals that the Hindi remake is progressing as planned and is likely slated for a future release. The inclusion of Prakash Raj, known for his versatile performances, in a pivotal role is expected to bring a unique flavour to the Hindi adaptation. The involvement of director Abhishek Pathak and producer Kumar Mangat Pathak suggests a continuity in the creative vision that has made the Hindi "Drishyam" films successful.
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The Hindi version’s production commencement and completion of key shooting schedules underscore the franchise’s broad appeal across different linguistic markets in India. The success of the previous Hindi installments, starring Ajay Devgn, has set a high benchmark, and audiences will be keenly awaiting the new iteration.
The "Drishyam" Phenomenon: A Franchise Built on Suspense and Intelligence
The "Drishyam" franchise, originating in Malayalam cinema, has achieved a rare feat of transcending regional boundaries to become a pan-Indian phenomenon. The original film, released in 2013, garnered widespread critical acclaim for its ingenious plot, grounded characters, and masterful execution. Its success led to remakes in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, each achieving considerable commercial success and critical appreciation.
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The core appeal of "Drishyam" lies in its tightly woven narrative that revolves around an ordinary man, Georgekutty, who uses his intelligence and knowledge of films to shield his family from the consequences of an unexpected incident. The franchise is renowned for its intricate planning, logical progression of events, and the constant cat-and-mouse game between the protagonist and the authorities.
"Drishyam 3," as the latest installment, carries the immense pressure of living up to the legacy of its predecessors. The initial box office figures, despite the Friday dip, indicate that the audience is invested in the continuation of Georgekutty’s story. The film’s ability to maintain suspense, deliver unexpected twists, and explore the emotional depth of its characters will be key determinants of its long-term success.
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The global reach of the franchise is further amplified by the Hindi remake’s progress. By adapting the story for a wider audience, the "Drishyam" universe continues to expand, captivating new viewers while retaining its loyal fanbase. The success of "Drishyam 3" in its initial release, coupled with the ongoing production of its Hindi counterpart, solidifies the franchise’s status as a cinematic powerhouse in India. The coming days will undoubtedly reveal whether "Drishyam 3" can sustain its momentum and etch another successful chapter in this beloved crime thriller saga.
