Jeethu Joseph warns Hindi producers against starting before Mohanlal's version.
The highly anticipated third instalment of the blockbuster Drishyam franchise has found itself at the centre of a production dispute, with original director Jeethu Joseph taking a firm stand to ensure the Malayalam version maintains its priority over the Hindi remake.
In a candid interview with Mathrubhumi, Joseph revealed that he was forced to threaten legal action against the makers of Ajay Devgn's Hindi adaptation of Drishyam 3 when they considered beginning production before the original Malayalam film starring Mohanlal.
"There were demands on making Malayalam and Hindi versions together, but we haven't decided on those matters," Joseph explained. "There were initially some plans to start in Hindi first, but after a hint was given that this would be dealt with legally, they backed off from it."
The controversy arose from preliminary discussions about producing both versions simultaneously. However, when the Hindi team explored the possibility of commencing filming first, Joseph intervened decisively to protect the integrity of his original creation.
This development highlights the ongoing tension between original filmmakers and remake producers in the Indian film industry, where successful regional films are often adapted across multiple languages. The Drishyam franchise has been particularly successful in this regard, with the 2013 Malayalam original being remade in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi, among other languages.
Joseph's protective stance stems from his deep connection to the franchise he created. The director disclosed that he has been working intensively on the screenplay, recently completing the climax sequence. "I finished writing the climax of Drishyam 3 last night. I've been under immense pressure for a long time," he admitted.
The Malayalam version of Drishyam 3 is currently scheduled to begin production in October 2025, with Mohanlal reprising his iconic role as George Kutty. The film will be produced by Antony Perumbavoor's Aashirwad Cinemas, maintaining the same production house that backed the previous instalments.
According to industry sources, the Hindi version starring Ajay Devgn is also planned to commence filming around the same time, with reports suggesting an October 2 start date that would align with Gandhi Jayanti. The Hindi adaptation will reportedly involve a three-month shooting schedule across Maharashtra locations and studio setups.
The Drishyam franchise has been a remarkable success story in Indian cinema. The first film, released in 2013, became a cultural phenomenon for its gripping narrative about a family man who goes to extraordinary lengths to protect his loved ones. The sequel, Drishyam 2, was released directly on Amazon Prime Video in 2021 during the pandemic and received widespread critical acclaim.
Joseph's decisive action to maintain creative control over his franchise demonstrates the evolving dynamics between original creators and adaptation rights in the film industry. As both versions prepare for production this October, audiences across India eagerly await the conclusion of this beloved thriller series that has captivated millions with its intricate storytelling and moral complexities.
The resolution of this production dispute ensures that the authentic Malayalam voice of Drishyam will continue to lead the narrative, preserving the creative vision that made the franchise a pan-Indian success.
