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Drishyam 3 Movie: Release Date, Cast, Story & more

  • Writer: Sunanda Sharma
    Sunanda Sharma
  • Dec 24, 2025
  • 5 min read

Drishyam 3 final chapter thriller poster featuring a tense protagonist and dark cinematic mood — NFSTUBE graphic
Drishyam 3 marks the final chapter of the iconic Bollywood thriller franchise, releasing in 2026.

Drishyam 3 Synopsis

Drishyam 3 releases October 2, 2026, marking the final chapter of Ajay Devgn's blockbuster thriller franchise. The film reunites the complete cast including Tabu, Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta, and Mrunal Jadhav, with Akshaye Khanna joining in a key role. Director Abhishek Pathak returns after Drishyam 2's massive ₹240.54 crore India collection and ₹345.05 crore worldwide earnings in 2022. Set seven years after the previous film, fresh evidence threatens to expose the truth Vijay Salgaonkar has hidden for over a decade. With filming underway since December 2025 and a strategic Gandhi Jayanti release, trade experts predict the finale could cross ₹250 crore, making it one of 2026's biggest Bollywood releases.


The Franchise Journey So Far

The wait is finally over for thriller fans as the Drishyam franchise gears up for its grand finale in 2026.

Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay Salgaonkar in what promises to be another edge-of-the-seat suspense drama, continuing the story that has captivated Indian audiences for nearly a decade.


The Drishyam series began in 2015 with the release of the first film on July 31.


The original Drishyam collected ₹93.85 crore at the Indian box office and quickly earned a reputation as one of Bollywood’s smartest thrillers. The film introduced Vijay Salgaonkar, a cable operator who uses sharp instincts and emotional intelligence to protect his family after an accidental crime.


Seven years later, Drishyam 2 released on November 18, 2022 and exceeded expectations across all metrics.


Key milestones from Drishyam 2:

  • Crossed ₹200 crore in India within weeks

  • Final India collection of ₹240.54 crore

  • Emerged as the second highest-grossing Hindi film of 2022

  • Reinforced audience demand for content-driven thrillers



Drishyam 3 Official Release Date

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


The makers once again chose Gandhi Jayanti, a date that has become closely associated with the franchise and is widely recognized by fans as Drishyam Day.


The announcement was made through social media, with Ajay Devgn teasing audiences by confirming that the final chapter remains. The teaser went viral within hours, sparking speculation around how Vijay Salgaonkar’s story will finally conclude.


Production Timeline and Filming

Filming for Drishyam 3 began in mid-December 2025 in Mumbai.


Production details at a glance:

  • Shooting start: December 2025

  • Duration: Approximately three months

  • Locations: Maharashtra outdoor locations and studio sets

  • Director: Abhishek Pathak


Post-production is expected to begin by March 2026, allowing ample time for editing, sound design and background score ahead of the October theatrical release.



Complete Cast Details

The final chapter brings back the entire core cast while introducing new narrative pressure points.


Main cast lineup:

  • Ajay Devgn as Vijay Salgaonkar

  • Tabu as IG Meera Deshmukh

  • Shriya Saran as Nandini Salgaonkar

  • Ishita Dutta as Anju Salgaonkar

  • Mrunal Jadhav as Anu Salgaonkar

  • Akshaye Khanna in a pivotal role


The psychological face-off between Vijay Salgaonkar and Meera Deshmukh is expected to remain the emotional backbone of the film.


Story Expectations and Plot Hints

The storyline remains tightly guarded, but early indications suggest the film is set several years after the events of Drishyam 2.


What the narrative is expected to explore:

  • Fresh evidence resurfacing from the past

  • Long-term consequences of buried secrets

  • Emotional toll on the Salgaonkar family

  • A final moral and psychological reckoning


The makers have promised a tense, layered screenplay with emotional depth and a decisive climax that closes the trilogy.



Box Office Expectations

Releasing on a national holiday gives Drishyam 3 a strong commercial advantage.


Trade expectations include:

  • Massive advance bookings driven by franchise loyalty

  • Strong family and repeat audience turnout

  • Potential to cross ₹250 crore domestically with positive word-of-mouth


Industry observers believe the “final chapter” positioning could push the film beyond the lifetime numbers of Drishyam 2.


Franchise Comparison at a Glance

Film

Release Year

India Box Office

Director

Drishyam

2015

₹93.85 crore

Nishikant Kamat

Drishyam 2

2022

₹240.54 crore

Abhishek Pathak

Drishyam 3

2026

Expected ₹250 crore plus

Abhishek Pathak


Essential Details at a Glance

Key film information:

  • Theatrical release date: October 2, 2026

  • Production start: December 2025

  • Director: Abhishek Pathak

  • Production banner: Panorama Studios

  • Expected runtime: 140 to 150 minutes


Why This Release Matters

Drishyam 3 is among the most awaited Indian films of 2026.


The franchise has consistently delivered intelligent storytelling that respects audience intelligence rather than relying on spectacle alone.

Vijay Salgaonkar has become one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic characters, representing how far an ordinary man will go to protect his family.


With filming underway, the original cast returning and a strategically timed holiday release locked, Drishyam 3 is positioned for a massive opening and a fitting conclusion to one of Bollywood’s most successful thriller franchises.



Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. When is Drishyam 3 releasing in theaters?

A1. Drishyam 3 will release in cinemas on October 2, 2026. The release coincides with Gandhi Jayanti, making it a major festive theatrical launch.


Q2. Who is in the cast of Drishyam 3?

A2. The cast of Drishyam 3 includes Ajay Devgn as Vijay Salgaonkar, Tabu as IG Meera Deshmukh, Shriya Saran as Nandini Salgaonkar, Ishita Dutta and Mrunal Jadhav as the daughters, along with Akshaye Khanna in a pivotal role.


Q3. What is the story of Drishyam 3 about?

A3. Drishyam 3 is set several years after the events of the second film. The story revolves around fresh evidence that threatens to expose the truth Vijay Salgaonkar has hidden, showing how past secrets continue to haunt the family.


Q4. How much did Drishyam 2 earn at the box office?

A4. Drishyam 2 collected ₹240.54 crore at the Indian box office and ₹345.05 crore worldwide. It became the second highest-grossing Hindi film of 2022 and entered the ₹200 crore club within weeks of release.


Q5. Who is directing Drishyam 3?

A5. Drishyam 3 is directed by Abhishek Pathak, who also helmed Drishyam 2. Filming began in December 2025 with a planned three-month production schedule.



Drishyam 3 Movie Trailer YouTube Video Suggestion

Drishyam 3 Announcement | In cinemas 2 Oct 2026 | Ajay Devgn | Tabu | Shriya Saran | Abhishek Pathak

Drishyam 3 Movie Tags

Drishyam 3, Ajay Devgn, Bollywood Movies 2026, Thriller Movies, Tabu


About the Author

Sunanda Sharma covers movies, celebrities, and music for NFSTUBE with verified insights. She brings readers closer to the stars and stories shaping pop culture.


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