Drishyam: The Conclusion, directed by Abhishek Pathak, once again revolves around investigation, deception and the family’s attempts to stay ahead of the truth. Despite the presence of Prakash Raj and Jaideep Ahlawat, the writing rarely delivers the twists or high points expected from an investigative thriller, making the third instalment of the Hindi version feel more like a forced extension than a compelling conclusion
The addition of Prakash Raj and Jaideep Ahlawat is one of the better aspects of the film. Both actors bring a certain gravitas to their respective roles, and their screen presence adds some much-needed weight to the proceedings. Unfortunately, their performances cannot completely compensate for a predictable screenplay that rarely takes the story in an exciting direction. Ultimately, Drishyam: The Conclusion feels like a generic thriller with very few memorable moments.
Drishyam 3 Hindi vs Malayalam: Two Completely Different Stories
One major difference between the Hindi and Malayalam versions is that they tell entirely different stories. This was already known before the release, as the makers had revealed that the Hindi film would not follow the Malayalam version.
That, in itself, is perhaps the biggest positive when watching both films. At least, audiences are not watching the same story being reproduced in two languages.
The Malayalam “Drishyam 3” took a different approach by moving away from the investigation-heavy structure, particularly in the first half. The second half had a few interesting moments, but the film ultimately failed to realise the full potential of its premise.
The Hindi version, directed by Abhishek Pathak, on the other hand, remains firmly rooted in the investigation angle. It continues to explore how the family can stay ahead of the police rather than taking the franchise in an entirely new direction.
The Malayalam version, despite its shortcomings, at least attempts to explore the emotional journey of the family and take the story into a different space. That does not necessarily make it the better film, but there is a sense of experimentation and a new direction.
The response to the Malayalam film may have been mixed, but the film still emerged as a superhit, largely riding on the goodwill and popularity of the “Drishyam” franchise.
Is It Time to End Drishyam?
Ajay Devgn had previously indicated that the makers did not want to continue with a fourth part. After watching Drishyam: The Conclusion, that decision might actually be for the best.
If the franchise is going to keep returning with the same Devgn-led formula, much like the repetitive nature associated with franchises such as “Golmaal”, there is little reason to keep stretching the story.
Drishyam worked because its central idea was clever, the writing was engaging and the audience was constantly challenged to think along with the characters. Once the formula becomes predictable, the very foundation of the franchise begins to weaken.
Drishyam: The Conclusion will undoubtedly benefit from the immense goodwill of the franchise and is expected to emerge as a box-office success. What is more surprising, though, is the praise it has been receiving from sections of the Malayalam audience despite its rather mediocre writing.
Perhaps there is a certain satisfaction among some of Jeethu Joseph’s critics in seeing the Hindi version receive appreciation. But that, in itself, is not necessarily a good sign. A franchise built around one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated investigative thrillers deserves more than a safe and familiar conclusion.
