Drishyam 3: The Conclusion draws record opening day buzz, divergent Hindi finale wins over fans

The final chapter of Vijay Salgaonkar's story hit theatres on October 2, and early reactions suggest the Hindi version of Drishyam 3 is carving its own path, distinct from the Malayalam original. Fans on X are praising the tension, the confrontation between Ajay Devgn and Jaideep Ahlawat, and what many call a satisfying climax.

What early viewers are saying about Drishyam 3

Advance bookings picked up pace across India as the film opened, with makers adding an IMAX release to the rollout. The early social media response has been largely positive, with the interval sequence, camera work and the Ajay Devgn-Jaideep Ahlawat face-off emerging as the main talking points.

One X user wrote,

“Brilliant confrontation between Jaideep Ahlawat & Ajay Devgan.”

Another praised the build-up, saying,

“#Drishyam3 INTERVAL and WHAT A TENSION BUILD-UP Jaideep Ahlawat has created absolute BAWAL, and that face-off with Ajay Devgn is just Tbh, interval came way too early. Pata hi nahi chala kab aa gaya! Brilliant 1st half.”

Technical craft drew specific praise. One viewer noted,

“Just stepped out for the interval of #Drishyam3. The camera work alone is doing half the storytelling, the framing, the close-ups, and the sheer tension in every frame are unreal. Vijay Salgaonkar is at it again, and the second half is going to be absolute chaos.”

Why Akshaye Khanna's absence became a talking point

Akshaye Khanna, who played a key role in the second installment, does not appear in the third film. One viewer called it a major misstep, writing,

“Akshaye Khanna might have done several mistakes in his career. But leaving #Drishyam3 for whatever reasons, is perhaps the BIGGEST MISTAKE. What a role it was! Jaideep Ahlawat nailed it though.”

Others focused on the evolution of Vijay Salgaonkar's character.

“I bet you have never seen Vijay Salgaonkar so helpless and angry at the same time, the tension they are creating in each and every scene I just can't explain its getting better and better with every minute,”

one reaction read.

How the Hindi version differs from the Malayalam Drishyam 3

Ajay Devgn addressed the divergence at FICCI Frames, clarifying that the Hindi film is a completely new script, not a remake of the Malayalam third installment.

“The original one they did not have Akshay Khanna's character as such but 3 is a completely new script. They are two very different films. The way Abhishek and the writers have worked so hard on the script for the past maybe two years that it really really gives you a high,”

he said.

The Malayalam Drishyam 3, released in May 2026, explored Georgekutty's psychological exhaustion and moral reckoning. The Hindi version instead builds a separate narrative, bringing Vijay Salgaonkar's story to its own conclusion. One detailed review praised the approach:

“Sets up new angle in the case well and very consistently builds the tension. You are more intrigued with every passing minute and that's a win. The pre-interval scene is powerful, beautifully written and executed.”

Drishyam 3 cast and production details

Directed by Abhishek Pathak, Drishyam The Conclusion stars Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Rajat Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj, with Kamlesh Sawant, Ishita Dutta and Mrunal Jadhav in supporting roles. Pathak co-wrote the script with Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. The film is presented by Star Studio18 and produced by Panorama Studios, with Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak producing.

Will Drishyam 3 deliver a satisfying conclusion?

Early consensus suggests the film succeeds as a finale. One viewer wrote,

“Drishyam 3: The Conclusion proves why this franchise has become a phenomenon. Bollywood is back with a bang, and this time the Hindi version takes a different route from the Malayalam Drishyam 3, and for me, it works even better. The tension, twists and Vijay Salgaonkar's mind games make this one hell of a conclusion! Film of the year? Thriller of the year? Vijay Salgaonkar has definitely entered GOAT territory!”

Another reaction noted the climax is

“slightly predictable if u watch the film and every action, every expression very closely but mostly unpredictable and well executed.”

The question of whether Vijay Salgaonkar finally faces divine intervention or reveals himself as one remains for audiences to discover.

Frequently asked questions about Drishyam 3

Is Drishyam 3 the final film in the franchise?

Yes, the Hindi version is titled Drishyam The Conclusion and has been developed as the final chapter of Vijay Salgaonkar's story.

Does the Hindi Drishyam 3 follow the Malayalam version?

No. Ajay Devgn has confirmed the Hindi film is a completely new script, different from the Malayalam Drishyam 3 released in May 2026.

Who plays the antagonist in Drishyam 3?

Jaideep Ahlawat plays the antagonist, with his confrontation with Ajay Devgn's Vijay Salgaonkar drawing significant early praise.