Drishyam 3: Makers lift the lid on key differences between Hindi and Malayalam versions

As anticipation builds around Mohanlal's upcoming film 'Drishyam 3', the producers behind the franchise have offered fresh insight into the evolution of the project, and why the Hindi adaptation starring Ajay Devgn will chart a distinctly different narrative path.

Producers Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak spoke about their deepening connection with Malayalam cinema, the development process behind the latest instalment, and how both versions diverge despite beginning at the same narrative point.

In conversations with ANI, the makers explained how their creative journey led them into the Malayalam industry, while also confirming the expected release timeline for the Hindi remake. Mohanlal's version is set for a worldwide theatrical release on 21 May, while Ajay Devgn's 'Drishyam 3' is being readied for an October 2 release, a date that has become synonymous with the franchise's pivotal events.

Entry into Malayalam cinema

Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak revealed that the team's interest in Malayalam cinema grew significantly during the pandemic, when they found themselves consuming a wide variety of films from the industry. According to him, this period marked a turning point.

"When the lockdown started, we watched a lot of Malayalam films. We realised that the content there is very good. Different types of films are being made and appreciated there. After that, our entire team sat together and carried out research for one and a half years. We met people and writers."

He explained that this extensive groundwork paved the way for Panorama Studios' entry into the Malayalam market. "Then we planned everything and presented Panorama. We were already producing two to three films. We became a part of Malayalam cinema thanks to Mr Anthony, Mr Mohanlal and Mr Jacob. We worked on it together. We are releasing our film worldwide. Apart from that, we have many more films lined up."

Why the Hindi and Malayalam versions will differ

Although both films begin exactly where 'Drishyam 2' left off, Abhishek Pathak stressed that viewers should expect notable differences in tone, style and storytelling between the Malayalam and Hindi adaptations.

He said the team had approached the screenplay with the distinct preferences of the Hindi-speaking audience in mind. "You will understand the difference only when you watch the Hindi trailer. The story in 'Drishyam 2' ended at a certain point, and 'Drishyam 3' begins from there. The Malayalam version also starts from that point. The Malayalam version is more of a family drama. As Jeethu Joseph told us during the launch, the story is very good for the Malayalam audience, and they will like it. We liked it a lot too, which is why we invested in this project."