Release Date Shifted for Mohanlal's Drishyam 3 Amid Global Tensions

Mohanlal's much-anticipated film, Drishyam 3, has been delayed from its original April 2 release date to May 21 due to the ongoing Iran-Israel-USA conflict. This decision was made just a week before the scheduled premiere, as the war's unpredictability poses risks to box office performance in key markets like Kerala and the Gulf. Meanwhile, Ajay Devgn's Hindi remake remains unaffected, set to release in October 2026. The Drishyam franchise has garnered significant acclaim since its inception, with the original Malayalam film becoming a major hit in 2013. Read on to learn more about the film's storyline and cast.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 23, 2026, 21:22 IST

Mohanlal's Drishyam 3 Delayed

The highly anticipated film Drishyam 3, featuring Mohanlal, will no longer premiere on April 2. Due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the USA, the release has been rescheduled to May 21. The film's producers revealed the new date alongside a fresh poster showcasing Mohanlal in his role as Georgekutty. Following the release of the Malayalam original, Ajay Devgn is set to debut the Hindi remake in October. This third installment continues the narrative four and a half years after the last film, delving into Georgekutty's life and the repercussions of earlier events.

Reasons Behind the Delay

Why is Mohanlal's Drishyam 3 delayed?

The postponement of Drishyam 3 from April 2 to May 21 is attributed to the ongoing war in the Gulf region, which significantly impacts the Mollywood film industry. The unpredictable nature of the conflict led the filmmakers to make this decision just a week prior to the original release date. The markets in Kerala and the Gulf are crucial for Malayalam cinema, often yielding remarkable box office returns.

Impact on Ajay Devgn's Hindi Remake

Will it affect Ajay Devgn's Drishyam 3?

Fans eagerly awaiting Ajay Devgn’s Hindi version of Drishyam 3, scheduled for release in October 2026, can rest easy. The time gap between the two films is sufficient to prevent any scheduling conflicts. Despite the delay of the Malayalam version, the Hindi remake's timeline remains unaffected. Filming for the Hindi adaptation commenced on September 22, 2025, and wrapped up by December 2, 2025. The Hindi film is set to hit theaters on October 2, 2026, featuring Mohanlal alongside Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Asha Sharath, Murali Gopy, and Siddique reprising their beloved roles.

Overview of the Drishyam Franchise

About the Drishyam franchise

The Hindi remake of Drishyam 3 faced controversy when Akshaye Khanna reportedly exited the project just before filming began, with the reasons for his departure remaining unclear. Jaideep Ahlawat has stepped in to replace him. The Hindi version also features Tabu, Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta, Mrunal Jadhav, and Rajat Kapoor. The Drishyam franchise gained immense popularity after the release of its original Malayalam film in 2013, which became the highest-grossing Malayalam film at that time. The sequel, which premiered on OTT in 2021, also garnered significant attention. The Hindi adaptation starring Ajay Devgn released in 2015 was successful, but it was Drishyam 2 in 2022 that achieved remarkable success, grossing approximately Rs. 350 crore worldwide.