Georgekutty is back, and the audience has welcomed him with open arms. Drishyam 3, the third installment of the most iconic crime-thriller franchise in Malayalam cinema, officially hit the theatres on May 21, 2026. Directed by the visionary Jeethu Joseph, the film has registered a sensational opening, solidifying its status as the year’s most anticipated cinematic event.
On its opening day, the film minted approximately ₹15.85 crore net in India. The sheer scale of the release—spanning 5,506 shows nationwide—coupled with the massive star power of Mohanlal, resulted in a remarkable 67% occupancy rate across its Malayalam version.
While domestic numbers remain strong, Drishyam 3 has performed exceptionally well in international markets. Industry trackers report that the film grossed a staggering ₹25 crore in overseas markets alone on its opening day. When combined with its India gross collection of ₹18.37 crore, the total worldwide earnings for the film’s Day 1 stand at an impressive ₹43.37 crore.
The Malayalam original version emerged as the clear leader, contributing ₹13.70 crore net to the domestic total. Kerala, the franchise’s home ground, continues to be its strongest territory, accounting for ₹11.15 crore of the gross earnings on day one.
The momentum is undeniable. With the film arriving on Mohanlal’s 66th birthday, fans flocked to theatres, creating a festive atmosphere that is expected to carry into the weekend.
Trade analysts are optimistic about the coming days. Given the strong advance bookings and positive initial buzz, the film is projected to maintain this trajectory. The industry is forecasting a collective collection of approximately ₹75 to ₹80 crore by the end of its first extended weekend, making it one of the most profitable openers in the history of Malayalam cinema.
The franchise—which began in 2013—has evolved from a simple crime drama into a cultural phenomenon. Director Jeethu Joseph continues the tense saga of Georgekutty and his family, who, despite narrowly escaping exposure in the previous two chapters, once again find themselves facing an existential threat.
The film reunites the original core cast, whose chemistry has been the backbone of the series for over a decade. Mohanlal reprises his role as the resilient Georgekutty, joined by Meena, Asha Sharath, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Murali Gopy, and Siddique.
The narrative, known for its layered deception and emotional stakes, continues to challenge the audience’s perception of “justice.” While the box office numbers are record-breaking, the film has also sparked fresh discussions regarding the psychological toll of Georgekutty’s “master plan” on his family members.
In a year dominated by big-budget spectacles, Drishyam 3 proves that strong, rooted storytelling remains the most potent tool in the industry. As the film settles into its first weekend, the focus shifts to whether it can maintain its hold on the box office against newer releases.
For fans of the series, the return to Georgekutty’s world is more than just a trip to the theatre; it is the conclusion of a long-standing suspense that has kept the nation on the edge of its seat for years.
