Why isn’t Drishyam 3 becoming a bigger Pan-India phenomenon?

Drishyam 3: Mohanlal has once again pulled audiences into the tense and emotional world of Georgekutty with Drishyam 3. The Malayalam thriller collected Rs13.95 crore nett in India on Day 4, taking its total domestic earnings to Rs 54.55 crore within four days. After opening strongly at Rs15.85 crore, the film dipped slightly on Day 2 before regaining momentum over the weekend. Sunday’s collections even crossed Saturday’s figures, showing that audience curiosity around the franchise remains very much alive.

Globally, Drishyam 3 has already crossed Rs 141 crore, making it the second biggest Malayalam opener after L2: Empuraan. While reviews have been divided, viewers seem emotionally invested in Georgekutty’s journey more than ever. There is a quiet human tension in the film that keeps audiences engaged the fear of a past mistake never truly disappearing.

Why the Film Is Performing Better Overseas?

Interestingly, the film has earned stronger numbers overseas than in India. According to Aashirvad Cinemas, Drishyam 3 crossed Rs 50 crore worldwide on its opening day itself. This reflects how Malayalam cinema has steadily expanded its global reach, especially with thrillers that combine family emotions with suspense.

Directed by Jeethu Joseph, the film continues the story of Georgekutty as old enemies return and new troubles emerge within the family. As his daughter Anju prepares to begin a new chapter in life, buried secrets once again threaten the peace they fought so hard to protect. The ending also leaves behind a strong hint that a fourth installment could already be in the works.

Franchise’s Success Has Created an Unexpected Problem

One of the biggest reasons Drishyam 3 has not become a larger pan-India sensation is the franchise’s own remake history. Hindi audiences already share a strong connection with the Ajay Devgn version of Drishyam, while Telugu viewers have long been familiar with their adaptation too. In Tamil, many viewers watched the Malayalam version on OTT platforms, reducing the urgency to experience the third part in theatres.

This creates a fascinating audience dynamic. The mystery is no longer simply about what happens next, but whether Georgekutty can emotionally outrun the consequences of his past. That deeper psychological pull is what still keeps viewers invested after all these years.

Strong Malayalam Blockbuster, Not a Nationwide Storm

Even without becoming a pan-India phenomenon, Drishyam 3 is performing exactly like a major Malayalam franchise film should big opening numbers, solid weekend recovery, and steady audience support. The coming days will decide whether it comfortably crosses the Rs 150 crore mark worldwide.

What makes the franchise unique is how far it has travelled across languages and cultures. Ironically, that very success may have fragmented its audience. Yet Georgekutty’s story continues to survive because it speaks to something deeply human the desperate need to protect family, even when the truth refuses to stay buried forever.