How the Drishyam franchise built its own pop culture legacy ahead of part three

Franchise Journey

When the Ajay Devgn-starrer Drishyam first hit theatres in 2015, it was known as a remake of a Malayalam cult classic. Over the past decade, the Hindi franchise has built a dedicated fandom of its own. The third instalment, titled Drishyam: The Conclusion, enters new territory by featuring an original story that differs from the Malayalam series. For millions of viewers of the Hindi version, the story belongs to Vijay Salgaonkar rather than the original character George Kutty played by Mohanlal. The film, its elements, and characters have embedded themselves in Indian pop culture, creating a resilient underdog figure.

Cultural Impact

Unlike many other remakes that dropped their regional titles like Pokiri becoming Wanted or Kaavalan becoming Bodyguard, the Hindi version retained the original Sanskrit and Malayalam title while still carving out a distinct brand identity. When Drishyam 2 released, people were doubtful about its success because the Malayalam version had recently streamed, but actor Tabu noted that it still became a blockbuster. The plot revolves around Vijay Salgaonkar, an illiterate cable operator in Goa who must protect his family from a vengeful police force after an accidental crime. The date October 2 plays a pivotal role in the plot, tying into the release of the films and sparking widespread social media memes involving references like satsang, pao bhaji, and Goa. Director Abhishek Pathak noted that audiences root for Vijay because they believe anyone would do the same in that situation.

Cast and Release

Officially titled Drishyam: The Conclusion, the third film brings back Ajay Devgn alongside Tabu, Shriya Saran, Rajat Kapoor, Ishita Dutta, Mrunal Jadhav, and Kamlesh Sawant. New actors joining the cast include Jaideep Ahlawat, Prakash Raj, and Saurabh Shukla. The film is set to release in theatres on October 2, 2026.