In an unprecedented feat for regional Indian cinema, the upcoming Malayalam thriller Drishyam 3, starring megastar Mohanlal and directed by Jeethu Joseph, has reportedly entered the coveted Rs 350 crore club even before the completion of its filming. This staggering pre-release business has set a new benchmark, highlighting the monumental hype and commercial potential of the franchise.
A Stunning Revelation from the Producer
The astonishing figures were revealed by producer M Renjith of Rejaputhra Visual Media, the production house behind Mohanlal's recent blockbuster Thudarum. While speaking at the second edition of Manorama Hortus, Renjith stated that this is the first time a regional-language Indian film has registered such massive business while still in production.
He emphasized that this achievement underscores the new heights Malayalam cinema has reached in terms of market value and pan-India appeal. The producer also shared insights into his own film's success, revealing that Thudarum, which grossed approximately Rs 234.5 crore worldwide, earned him a share of about Rs 55 crore after its theatrical run.
How Drishyam 3 Crossed the Landmark Figure
The massive pre-release revenue was primarily unlocked through a landmark deal with Panorama Studios. The studio, which is bankrolling the Hindi adaptation of the franchise, acquired the exclusive worldwide theatrical rights for India and overseas, along with the digital and satellite rights, for the original Malayalam version of Drishyam 3 from Aashirvad Cinemas.
This deal alone propelled the film's business beyond the Rs 350 crore mark. To put this number in perspective, Drishyam 3's pre-release earnings have already surpassed the entire theatrical collection of the current highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, which stands at Rs 303.67 crore according to industry tracker Sacnilk.
Clarifying Release Plans for Malayalam and Hindi Versions
The Panorama Studios deal initially sparked speculation among fans about a potential simultaneous release of the Malayalam and Hindi versions, raising concerns that the original might be overshadowed. However, director Jeethu Joseph has directly addressed these rumours.
In a response to a fan on Instagram, Joseph clarified that the Hindi remake will be released only two months after the Malayalam original hits the screens. This strategic gap should allow the Mohanlal-starrer to enjoy its full box office momentum in its home market and among its core audience before the Hindi version arrives.
The film, which continues the story of Georgekutty and his family, also stars Meena, Ansiba Hassan, and Esther Anil. With filming still underway and anticipation at a fever pitch, Drishyam 3 is poised to be one of the biggest cinematic events in Indian cinema when it releases.
