Ajay Devgn is returning as Vijay Salgaonkar in Drishyam: The Conclusion, the third and final instalment of the Hindi franchise, which is set to release in theatres on October 2. Ahead of the release, Devgn revealed that he personally called Malayalam superstar Mohanlal and wanted him to watch the film.
Speaking at FICCI Frames, Devgn clarified that he was the one who contacted Mohanlal. “In fact, I called up Lal (Mohanlal) sir… because I wanted him to see the film,” he said. Devgn explained that the reason was particularly significant this time, as the new Hindi film has moved away from the earlier storyline. “This time we have diverted completely. So, for me, I thought that a kind of an approval from him would be nice,” he added. Mohanlal was reportedly on holiday and had not watched the film at the time of the conversation.
Mohanlal played Georgekutty in the original Malayalam Drishyam, while Devgn took on the role of Vijay Salgaonkar in the Hindi adaptation. While the first two Hindi films followed the broad narrative of the Malayalam franchise, Devgn says the third film is different. “The original (Malayalam film) did not have Akshaye Khanna's character but 3 is a completely new script. These are two different films,” he said.
Mohanlal played Georgekutty in the original Malayalam Drishyam, while Devgn took on the role of Vijay Salgaonkar in the Hindi adaptation. While the first two Hindi films followed the broad narrative of the Malayalam franchise, Devgn says the third film is different. “The original (Malayalam film) did not have Akshaye Khanna's character but 3 is a completely new script. These are two different films,” he said.
Devgn also explained why the makers decided to stop the franchise with the third film. “We want to end it on a high,” he said, adding that he believed the story had reached a point where continuing further could risk stretching the franchise. After watching the completed film, Devgn offered his own assessment: “My personal opinion is that it beats 2.”
Directed by Abhishek Pathak, the film brings back Shriya Saran, Tabu, Ishita Dutta and Rajat Kapoor, with Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj joining the cast. With Vijay Salgaonkar's story reaching its planned finish, the Hindi franchise now walks a path of its own.