Drishyam 3 Movie Review
What happened on the 2nd and 3rd of October?
If you don’t know the answer to this question, are you even a Bollywood fan? Being a fan usually just means loving the movies, but sometimes a film comes along that gives you genuine joy and makes you proud to be one. Watching the final chapter of the Drishyam series in theaters is exactly that kind of experience.
Like every other Drishyam film we have watched, this last part of the series is incredibly impactful. It does have some flaws, but they hide perfectly under the sheets right in front of your eyes. Here is my full review.
The Premise: A Game of Shadows
Everyone sitting in the theater has one burning question: Will Vijay Salgaonkar get caught this time, or will he escape again? Will the permanent stain of these allegations ever wash off his family?
Because this film is an extension of the first two movies, the makers start things off with a brand new twist. This time around, the police aren’t coming for Vijay openly. Instead, they try to corner him secretly, one careful step at a time. It is this gripping, undercover approach that will keep you completely glued to the screen.
What the Film is Really About
At its core, this movie is the ultimate cat-and-mouse chase pushed to its absolute limit. It is about a system that is tired of being outsmarted and a family patriarch fighting his final battle. The makers left no stone unturned to make the audience believe that this time, Vijay Salgaonkar will finally be put behind bars.
Direction and Screenplay
The makers knew the audience was in a hurry to get straight to the answers, but they didn’t rush. Instead, they spent time on what can only be called fine cinematic craft.
They do two very important things early on. First, they provide a smooth recap of the last two movies so the audience can reconnect with the story. Second, they beautifully set the premise for this third movie. They introduce the new players, re-introduce the old ones, and give a highly satisfying conclusion as to why Akshaye Khanna’s character didn’t make it to this third part.
By the time the first half ends, the screenplay builds so much tension that you are 100% convinced Vijay is going down. This tension is the biggest win for both the makers and the franchise. In the second half, the cat-and-mouse chase picks up massive speed, transitioning into a pure courtroom drama that holds your excitement till the very last frame.
Performances
The casting additions here are phenomenal.
Jaideep Ahlawat enters as the new SP of the Crime Branch. He absolutely dominates the entire first half and brings a flawless, air-tight logic to the court and audience to reopen the case (I won’t reveal the logic here, it’s meant to be enjoyed on the big screen!).
Prakash Raj is introduced in the second half as a ruthless lawyer. Trust me, his entry is where a whole new sense of excitement begins in the movie.
Inspector Gaitonde makes a dhamakedar (explosive) comeback! His re-entry not only shakes things up but immediately reminds you exactly why we love his character so much.
What Works
The opening recap and the seamless setup of the new storyline.
Inspector Gaitonde’s spectacular return.
Jaideep Ahlawat’s commanding presence and his brilliant logic to reopen the case.
The interval block—it genuinely makes you believe Vijay is trapped.
Prakash Raj’s ruthless energy in the gripping second-half courtroom drama.
What Doesn’t Work
As I mentioned earlier, the film has some flaws that are hard to ignore if you pay close attention:
The Missing Body Question: The brilliant logic given by Jaideep Ahlawat to reopen the case ends up being underused. The DNA found in the police station pit proved Sam’s body was there. But the court never raises the obvious question: Where is the body now? If Sam’s parents had already done his asthi visarjan (ashes immersion), why didn’t they simply tell this to the court?
Sidelining Jaideep Ahlawat: After completely owning the first half, Jaideep’s character is made to sit out for almost 50% of the second half for a very stupid reason. It is unacceptable and makes it feel like his character lost its touch right when it mattered most.
The Murder Motive: Throughout the intense courtroom drama, the court somehow never discusses how Sam actually died and whether it was even a murder in the first place.
The Verdict
So, does Vijay Salgaonkar finally go to jail or not? For that, you absolutely have to watch the movie. If you can ignore the two or three logical flaws mentioned above, this movie will not disappoint you at all. It is a thrilling conclusion to a legendary franchise and is highly recommended for a theater watch.
FilmeeKeeda Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 Stars)
FAQs
Q1: Is Akshaye Khanna in Drishyam 3? A: No, Akshaye Khanna’s character does not return in this film, but the makers provide a clear and satisfying conclusion early in the movie to explain his absence.
Q2: Who are the new cast members in Drishyam 3? A: The film features two major new additions: Jaideep Ahlawat as the SP of the Crime Branch and Prakash Raj as a ruthless lawyer.
Q3: Does Inspector Gaitonde return in this movie? A: Yes! Inspector Gaitonde makes an explosive (dhamakedar) return that will remind fans exactly why they love watching his character.
Q4: Is the second half of Drishyam 3 engaging? A: Absolutely. While the first half sets up the cat-and-mouse chase, the second half transforms into a fast-paced, high-stakes courtroom drama led by Prakash Raj that keeps you hooked till the last frame.
Q5: Is Drishyam 3 worth watching in theaters? A: Yes, it is highly recommended. Despite a few logical flaws regarding the court case, the suspense and brilliant performances make it a must-watch 4-star cinematic experience.
