Mohanlal’s Drishyam 3 hasn’t even completed filming, yet it has already shattered every pre-release benchmark the Malayalam industry has ever seen. According to early trade reports, the final instalment of the blockbuster thriller franchise has locked ₹350 crore in distribution and rights sales, setting an unprecedented record for Kerala.
A Pre-Release Figure Never Seen Before
The number is staggering for multiple reasons. Not only is ₹350 crore an unheard-of figure for a Malayalam film, but it also surpasses the lifetime collection of Lokah Chapter One: Chandra — the industry’s current highest-grossing film — by ₹50 crore.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that the deal was finalised while the film was still shooting its final scenes.
The update was shared by producer M. Ranjith of Rejaputhra Visual Arts during a literature festival in Kerala. Ranjith last produced Mohanlal’s hit Thudarum, adding credibility to the revelation.
Panorama Studios Steps In for Global Distribution
Trade buzz further suggests that Panorama Studios has acquired the worldwide theatrical and digital rights to the film. If confirmed, this marks the first time Aashirvad Productions — Mohanlal’s long-time banner — will not distribute a Drishyam film in its home territory.
This major change signals how massive the franchise has become on a national and international scale.
Mohanlal & Jeethu Joseph: A Blockbuster Partnership
Drishyam 3 marks the sixth collaboration between Mohanlal and director Jeethu Joseph, one of the most successful actor–director duos in Malayalam cinema. Their partnership has already delivered:
- Drishyam (2013)
- Drishyam 2 (2021)
- 12th Man (2022)
- Neru (2023)
- A partially shot Raam
The actor recently won the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, pushing expectations for the trilogy finale even higher.
Hindi Remake Blocked Until Malayalam Version Is Done
In July, Jeethu Joseph confirmed that he had paused the Hindi remake of Drishyam 3, stating that production should not begin until the Malayalam version wraps. Early talks suggested dual (simultaneous) shoots, but Jeethu publicly opposed the idea — even hinting that he would take legal action if both versions were filmed at once.
The director also admitted he was under intense pressure while writing the script, waking up at 3:30 AM every day to crack the film’s complex structure. At a college event, he finally confirmed what fans had been waiting to hear:
He has locked the climax.
Final Words
With record-shattering pre-release sales, sky-high anticipation, and the return of one of Malayalam cinema’s most iconic characters, Drishyam 3 is well on its way to becoming the industry’s biggest cinematic event of the decade. As the film enters post-production, all eyes are now on Jeethu Joseph’s final chapter — and the revelations it promises.
