Drishyam 3: Ajay Devgn’s Hindi Thriller, Release Date, Cast & More

Ajay Devgn is returning as Vijay Salgaonkar in Drishyam 3, bringing back one of Bollywood’s most calculating family men. The third Hindi instalment is directed by Abhishek Pathak, who also helmed Drishyam 2. The film has completed shooting and is currently in post-production, with its theatrical release set for October 2, 2026.

But there is one detail that makes this film different from a routine franchise sequel.

The Hindi Drishyam 3 is not expected to simply reproduce the Malayalam film starring Mohanlal. The makers have indicated that the Hindi version has its own narrative treatment and changes designed for its audience.

Drishyam 3 (Overview)

Drishyam 3 brings Ajay Devgn back as Vijay Salgaonkar for the third chapter of the Hindi franchise. Directed by Abhishek Pathak, the film has completed shooting and is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 2, 2026.

When Is Drishyam 3 Releasing?

Drishyam 3 is scheduled to release in cinemas on October 2, 2026.

The date has been positioned as “Drishyam Day” by the makers. The film has also completed its shoot and moved into post-production ahead of its theatrical release.

This gives the Hindi film a different release timeline from the Malayalam Drishyam 3, which reached cinemas earlier in 2026. The gap also means Hindi audiences will enter the film with considerable awareness of the Malayalam story.

That makes the reported changes to the Hindi screenplay even more important.

What Is Drishyam 3 About?

Drishyam 3 is the third Hindi film in the Drishyam franchise and continues the story of Vijay Salgaonkar and his family after Drishyam 2. Ajay Devgn returns in the lead role as Vijay.

IMDb currently lists the plot in broad terms around the Salgaonkar family attempting to cover up a murder, but does not provide a detailed official synopsis.

That limited information is useful to keep in mind.

A detailed plot, major twists and ending have not been officially revealed for the Hindi film. Therefore, theories circulating online should not be treated as confirmed story details.

What we do know is that the third film continues the consequences created by the earlier chapters. Vijay’s greatest challenge has always been protecting his family while staying ahead of the investigation.

This time, however, the Hindi screenplay is expected to take its own route.

Who Is in the Drishyam 3 Cast?

The Hindi Drishyam 3 brings back several familiar members of the Salgaonkar family while adding new faces to the franchise.

IMDb currently credits Ajay Devgn as Vijay Salgaonkar, Tabu as Meera Deshmukh, Shriya Saran as Nandini Salgaonkar and Rajat Kapoor as Mahesh Deshmukh.

Ishita Dutta and Mrunal Jadhav also return as Anju and Anu Salgaonkar respectively.

1. Ajay Devgn as Vijay Salgaonkar

Vijay is the character around whom the Hindi franchise revolves. He is not a conventional action hero. His strength lies in observation, planning and his ability to understand how people perceive events.

He is also fiercely protective of his family. That combination makes Vijay interesting. He can appear like an ordinary family man while quietly calculating his next move.

In Drishyam 3, audiences will once again be watching his ability to stay ahead of the people trying to uncover the truth.

 

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2. Tabu as Meera Deshmukh

Tabu’s Meera represents the investigative side of the franchise. She is intelligent, determined and personally connected to the events surrounding Vijay’s family. Her presence creates a natural counterpoint to Vijay’s carefully constructed plans.

 

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3. Shriya Saran as Nandini Salgaonkar

Shriya Saran returns as Nandini, Vijay’s wife. Nandini is central to the family’s emotional side. The decisions made by Vijay are ultimately linked to his desire to protect the people closest to him.

4. Ishita Dutta as Anju Salgaonkar

Ishita Dutta returns as Anju, Vijay and Nandini’s daughter. Her character is closely connected to the family conflict that drives the franchise, making her return important to the continuity of the story.

5. Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj

Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj are among the notable additions to the Hindi cast. However, their complete character details have not been sufficiently disclosed in the currently available official information.

It would therefore be premature to assign them specific motivations or plot functions. That mystery is better left for the film’s promotional campaign.

Who Is Directing Drishyam 3?

Abhishek Pathak is directing the Hindi version of Drishyam 3. He previously directed Drishyam 2, making this his second consecutive film in the Hindi franchise. IMDb also credits him as one of the film’s writers and producers.

 

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The original Malayalam Drishyam films come from filmmaker Jeethu Joseph, while the Hindi franchise has developed its own creative team.

The first Hindi Drishyam was directed by Nishikant Kamat. Abhishek Pathak later took over for Drishyam 2 and now continues with the third instalment.

This distinction becomes important when comparing the Hindi and Malayalam versions.

The two films belong to the same broader Drishyam franchise, but they are being shaped by different filmmakers for different audiences.

Has Drishyam 3 Completed Shooting?

Yes. The Hindi Drishyam 3 has completed shooting and moved into post-production.

Director Abhishek Pathak announced the completion of filming through a heartfelt wrap-up message, marking the end of a production phase that had occupied the team for months.

The timing is significant because the film is now moving toward its October 2, 2026 theatrical release.

With filming complete, audiences can expect the next major updates to focus on the trailer, promotional campaign and other release-related material.

Is Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3 the Same as the Malayalam Drishyam 3?

No. The Hindi Drishyam 3 is not being presented as an exact reproduction of the Malayalam film. The makers have indicated that the Hindi version has differences in its narrative, screenplay and treatment.

This is the most important distinction for anyone following both versions.

The Malayalam Drishyam 3 stars Mohanlal as Georgekutty and is directed by Jeethu Joseph. The Hindi version stars Ajay Devgn as Vijay Salgaonkar and is directed by Abhishek Pathak.

The makers have spoken about developing the Hindi version differently instead of simply following the Malayalam film point by point. Reports have quoted the makers describing differences intended for Hindi audiences.

That could change the way suspense is built, how characters are presented and how the central conflict progresses.

Drishyam 3 Hindi vs Malayalam: What Is the Difference?

What Can We Expect From Vijay Salgaonkar in Drishyam 3?

Vijay’s personality has always been central to the appeal of the Hindi franchise. He is calm under pressure. He notices small details. He understands how ordinary situations can be interpreted by others.

Most importantly, his decisions are driven by his family.

That makes him different from the typical thriller protagonist. Vijay does not necessarily win through physical strength. He tries to win by thinking several steps ahead. His return therefore raises a simple but compelling question:

Can Vijay Salgaonkar stay one step ahead again?

The answer remains under wraps until the film reaches cinemas.

How Does Drishyam 3 Continue After Drishyam 2?

Drishyam 3 continues the story after Drishyam 2, carrying forward the consequences surrounding Vijay Salgaonkar and his family. The Hindi film is positioned as the next chapter of that story rather than a standalone thriller.

For viewers who need a quick refresher, the key point is that Vijay’s family has spent the earlier films trying to protect itself from the consequences of a serious crime.

Vijay’s strategy has always depended on preparation.

He builds a believable account of events and tries to ensure that the people around him see exactly what he wants them to see.

But a strategy can only remain effective when every detail holds together. That tension forms the foundation of the franchise.

The Hindi Drishyam 3 is expected to build on that conflict without revealing its major twists before release.

Watch the Official Drishyam 3 Announcement

The official announcement gives viewers an early look at the return of Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Shriya Saran while confirming the October 2, 2026 theatrical release.

Drishyam 3 Official Announcement | Ajay Devgn | Tabu | Shriya Saran

The full trailer should provide more information about the new conflict and the characters joining Vijay’s story.

Until then, unofficial “trailers” and story videos should be treated carefully, especially when they present speculation as confirmed information.

Dazzlerr’s Take: Can Drishyam 3 Surprise Audiences?

Drishyam 3 already has a strong advantage with Ajay Devgn returning as Vijay Salgaonkar and Abhishek Pathak directing. But the real challenge is keeping the story unpredictable for viewers who have already watched the Malayalam version.

The reported changes in the Hindi screenplay could work in its favour. If the film gives Vijay a fresh conflict while retaining the family-driven emotion of the franchise, it can create an identity of its own.

Dazzlerr’s take: The cast will attract audiences, but the screenplay will decide whether Drishyam 3 feels like a fresh thriller or simply another adaptation.

Conclusion

Drishyam 3 brings Ajay Devgn back as Vijay Salgaonkar for another chapter of the Hindi thriller franchise. With Abhishek Pathak returning as director, a familiar cast and a confirmed October 2, 2026 release, expectations are already high.

What makes this chapter more interesting is its reported difference from the Malayalam Drishyam 3. The Hindi version is taking its own narrative route, which could give audiences new surprises even if they have already watched the Malayalam film.

For now, the biggest question remains: Can Vijay Salgaonkar outsmart everyone one more time? The answer awaits its theatrical release.

FAQs

1. When is Drishyam 3 releasing?

Drishyam 3 is scheduled to release in cinemas on October 2, 2026, with the date promoted as “Drishyam Day” by the makers.

2. Who is the lead actor in Drishyam 3?

Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay Salgaonkar, continuing his role from the first two Hindi films in the Drishyam franchise.

3. Who is directing Drishyam 3?

Abhishek Pathak is directing Drishyam 3. He previously directed Drishyam 2 and now continues the Hindi franchise’s story.

4. Has Drishyam 3 completed shooting?

Yes, the Hindi Drishyam 3 has completed shooting and is currently in post-production ahead of its October 2026 theatrical release.

5. Who is in the Drishyam 3 cast?

The cast includes Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta, Mrunal Jadhav, Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj, among others.

6. Is Drishyam 3 connected to Drishyam 2?

Yes, Drishyam 3 continues the Hindi franchise after Drishyam 2, carrying forward Vijay Salgaonkar’s story and the consequences faced by his family.

7. Is Drishyam 3 the same as the Malayalam movie?

No, the Hindi film is not an exact remake. The makers have confirmed differences in its story, screenplay and narrative treatment.

8. Will Ajay Devgn play Vijay Salgaonkar again?

Yes, Ajay Devgn reprises his role as Vijay Salgaonkar, the central character whose intelligence and family loyalty drive the Hindi franchise.

9. Is Tabu returning in Drishyam 3?

Yes, Tabu returns as Meera Deshmukh, continuing her character’s connection to the investigation and events surrounding Vijay’s family.

10. What makes Drishyam 3 different from earlier films?

The Hindi third instalment introduces a different narrative approach while retaining the franchise’s core themes of family, deception, investigation and consequences.