• Source:JND

Drishyam Movie Release: Jeethu Joseph’s 2013 Malayalam masterpiece Drishyam redefined the Indian crime-thriller landscape. While Nishikant Kamat’s 2015 Hindi adaptation starring Ajay Devgn brought the story to a massive national audience, there are seven major changes between the two movies.

All About Mohanlal's Drishyam Movie Franchise

Movie Title Main Cast Release Date OTT Platform Box Office Collection
Drishyam (2013) Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Asha Sarath, Siddique, Kalabhavan Shajohn 19 December 2013 (Theatrical) Disney+ Hotstar / Sun NXT ₹75 crore – ₹83 crore
Drishyam 2: The Resumption (2021) Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Asha Sarath, Siddique, Murali Gopy 19 February 2021 (Direct-to-OTT) Amazon Prime Video Direct-to-digital release (No theatrical box office)
Drishyam 3 (2026) Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil 21 May 2026 (Theatrical) Prime Video ₹109.68

All About Ajay Devgn's Drishyam Movie Franchise

Movie Details Drishyam (2015) Drishyam 2 (2022) Drishyam 3 / Drishyam: The Conclusion (2026)
Lead & Supporting Cast Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta, Mrunal Jadhav, Rajat Kapoor, Kamlesh Sawant Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Akshaye Khanna, Ishita Dutta, Mrunal Jadhav, Rajat Kapoor Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Jaideep Ahlawat, Prakash Raj, Ishita Dutta, Mrunal Jadhav
Director Nishikant Kamat Abhishek Pathak Abhishek Pathak
Theatrical Release Date 31 July 2015 18 November 2022 2 October 2026
OTT Platform Disney+ Hotstar / Netflix / JioCinema Amazon Prime Video To Be Announced
Worldwide Box Office Collection ₹147 Crore (Gross) ₹345 Crore (Gross) Upcoming Release 

7 Major Changes Between Mohanlal's Malayalam Movie Drishyam And Ajay Devgn's Hindi Version

1. The Cultural Setting

The original Malayalam film anchors its story in the quiet, lush hills of Rajakkad, Idukki. 

The Hindi remake shifts the setting to Goa. 

2. Georgekutty vs. Vijay Salgaonkar

Mohanlal plays Georgekutty with a subtle, unpretentious 'everyman' charm. He feels like an ordinary, uneducated cable TV operator.

Ajay Devgn’s Vijay Salgaonkar carries a sharper, hyper-alert intensity from the start.

While Ajay Devgn delivers a strong performance, but Mohanlal’s quiet intense look leaves a deeper emotional mark.

3. Pacing And Atmosphere

Malayalam original takes its time in the first hour to establish family warmth and local relationships.

Hindi remake uses a faster edit to jump into the conflict sooner.

4. Internal Guilt vs. External Conflict

The Malayalam original focuses heavily on the moral dilemma and internal fear of the family. Georgekutty carries his burden with quiet resilience.

The Hindi version externalises this guilt, relying more on dramatic dialogue and stylised tension to keep the audience on edge.

5. Supporting Cast Dynamics

In the original, the police investigation feels like a bureaucratic nightmare unfolding in a small town. Kalabhavan Shajohn’s portrayal of Constable Sahadevan is terrifyingly grounded.

The Hindi remake turns the investigation into a slicker chess match.

ALSO READ: 'Dead Body Ko Jaane De Nagma...': Mohanlal's Drishyam 4 Confirmation Sparks Meme Fest - See Hilarious Reactions

6. Music And Background Score

Anil Johnson’s score for the original relies on subtle, atmospheric soundscapes that heighten suspense naturally.

The Hindi adaptation uses a louder, more dramatic background score composed by Vishal Bhardwaj to signal key plot turns.

ALSO READ: Drishyam 3 Is 'Completely Different' From Mohanlal's Malayalam Movie, Says Ajay Devgn

7. The Climax Execution

Both versions execute the iconic climax brilliantly. However, Mohanlal’s subtle expression as he walks away from the police station offers a quieter, more haunting resolution than Ajay Devgn’s punchier exit.

FAQS

Which version of Drishyam came first?

The original Malayalam film Drishyam, directed by Jeethu Joseph and starring Mohanlal, was released in December 2013.

Are the endings of both Drishyam movies the same?

Yes, the core plot twist and climax sequence remain identical in both versions, though the staging and character reactions differ.

Which actor played the lead role in the Hindi remake?

Ajay Devgn played the protagonist Vijay Salgaonkar in the 2015 Hindi remake.


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