On eve of Dadasaheb Phalke honour, Mohanlal kickstarts 'Drishyam 3'

Kochi, Sep 22 (IANS) On the eve of receiving Indian cinema’s highest honour, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has begun work on one of the most anticipated films in recent memory -- Drishyam 3, the third part of the blockbuster Drishyam franchise.

The film, directed by Jeethu Joseph, formally commenced with a traditional puja ceremony held at a law college near Kochi on Monday.

Soon after the ceremony, Mohanlal is scheduled to fly to New Delhi, where the President of India will confer on him the Dadasaheb Phalke Award on Tuesday, marking a landmark moment in his four-decade-long career.

Director Jeethu Joseph, addressing the media ahead of the launch, revealed that Drishyam 3 will explore the next chapter in the life of Georgekutty, the iconic character played by Mohanlal.

“The film focuses on what happens in Georgekutty’s life after four and a half years. That is the crux of the story,” Joseph explained.

Producer Antony Perumbavoor, a long-time collaborator of Mohanlal and a key force behind the success of the Drishyam series, said that the decision to move forward with the third installment came after extensive discussions.

“The phenomenal response to the first two parts convinced us that Georgekutty’s journey had more to tell. Only after detailed talks with Jeethu did we finalize this new version,” Perumbavoor stated.

The Drishyam films have achieved cult status in Indian cinema for their gripping storytelling, intricate suspense, and Mohanlal’s acclaimed performance.

The first film, released in 2013, set new benchmarks in Malayalam cinema, while its sequel, released in 2021, drew record-breaking viewership both in theatres and on streaming platforms.

According to the producers, Drishyam 3 is slated for release in March 2026, and expectations are already sky-high among audiences across India and abroad.

With Mohanlal simultaneously receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the launch of Drishyam 3 has added to the celebrations surrounding one of Malayalam cinema’s most celebrated stars.

--IANS

sg/skp