Drishyam 3: The Conclusion Opens to Strong Advance Bookings and Enthusiastic Early Reactions

The final chapter of Vijay Salgaonkar's story, Drishyam: The Conclusion, arrived in theatres on October 2, 2026, and has already generated significant interest at the box office. Advance bookings have picked up pace across India, while the makers have announced an IMAX release to accompany the standard theatrical run. Early reactions from viewers have begun appearing online, with many praising the film's tension, performances, and the much-anticipated confrontation between Ajay Devgn and Jaideep Ahlawat.

What are early viewers saying about Drishyam 3?

Early reactions on X (formerly Twitter) have highlighted the film's interval sequence, camera work, twists, and performances as the biggest talking points. Several viewers have called the final chapter an engaging addition to the franchise, with particular praise for the face-off between Devgn and Ahlawat.

One X user wrote,

Brilliant confrontation between Jaideep Ahlawat & Ajay Devgan.

Another user commented,

#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.

A third viewer praised the technical execution, writing,

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. Cannot wait.

How does the Hindi version differ from the Malayalam original?

Ajay Devgn has clarified that the Hindi Drishyam 3 is not a direct adaptation of the Malayalam version, which released in May 2026. Speaking at FICCI Frames, Devgn explained that the two films take different narrative routes.

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. The way it has shaped up the scripting and the way Abhishek has made the film, I think it has come out fabulous. That's when we decided that it should be the conclusion.

The Malayalam Drishyam 3 explored Georgekutty's psychological exhaustion and the moral questions surrounding his choices. The Hindi film has been developed as a separate narrative that brings Vijay Salgaonkar's story to its own conclusion.

Who stars in Drishyam: The Conclusion?

Directed by Abhishek Pathak, Drishyam: The Conclusion stars Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Rajat Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Prakash Raj, along with Kamlesh Sawant, Ishita Dutta, and Mrunal Jadhav.

The film is presented by Star Studio18 and produced by Panorama Studios. Abhishek Pathak directed the film and co-wrote it with Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak, and Abhishek Pathak serve as producers.

One viewer noted the absence of Akshaye Khanna from the third installment, 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.

Another reaction focused on Vijay's state in this installment, saying,

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.

A detailed review praised the film's structure, noting,

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. #AjayDevgn and #JaideepAhlawat know the strengths of their characters and they use them to fullest while never misstepping the boundaries. Kamlesh Sawant as Gaitonde is in his element and also in love with Jaideep Ahlawat. Tabu, Shriya Saran and rest are also sincere. Really engaging 2nd half and a satisfying climax which can be slightly predictable if u watch the film and every action, every expression very closely but mostly unpredictable and well executed. Vijay Salgaonkar could have been saved by only God this time or if he revealed himself as God... Does that happen? Go watch the film and know!

Another viewer called the film a defining moment for the franchise, writing,

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!

Is Drishyam: The Conclusion worth watching?

Based on the early reactions, Drishyam: The Conclusion appears to deliver the tension, twists, and performances that audiences have come to expect from the franchise. The film's interval sequence, camera work, and the confrontation between Devgn and Ahlawat have drawn particular praise. While some viewers note that the climax may be predictable for attentive audiences, the general consensus among early reactions is that the film serves as a satisfying conclusion to Vijay Salgaonkar's story.