Drishyam 3: Engaging but a Bit Flat Too
The Drishyam franchise, helmed by Jeethu Joseph, produced by Antony Perumbavoor and starring Mohanlal, carried huge expectations from audiences right from the day the third installment was announced. Finally, the film has been released and it once again focuses on the journey of Georgekutty (Mohanlal) and his family and their attempts to lead a normal life after all the tragedies they have endured. The film opens with visuals from Drishyam I (2013), instantly taking the audience back into the family’s troubled past. As the new chapter unfolds, we see Georgekutty in a cheerful mood, believing that old scores have finally been settled. As in the previous installments, Jeethu Joseph takes some time in the first half to establish the plot. A host of old and new characters are introduced, and we learn that Georgekutty and Rani (Meena) are searching for a groom for Anju (Ansiba Hassan). Anu (Esther Anil) has become chirpier and is no longer afraid to question certain decisions taken by her parents.
Anju appears more confident, feeling that her battle with the demons of the past is almost over. Meanwhile, Rani is upset with Georgekutty’s constant phone calls and absent-minded behaviour. The entry of a journalist named Yami (Veena Nandakumar) sets the ball rolling as she begins digging into the past of Georgekutty and his family. Soon, fresh nightmares emerge and Georgekutty realizes that nothing has truly ended. The first half concludes with a bang, preparing the audience for the intense second half.
The cat and mouse game unfolds in the latter part, with familiar characters returning and making things even more complicated. Georgekutty, as in the earlier films, once again transforms himself into the protector of his family, though the odds are stacked heavily against him this time. One can notice a different shade of Georgekutty here, as he resembles Jean Valjean from Les Miserables. The last thirty minutes of the film are highly engaging, as Jeethu Joseph revisits the familiar narrative pattern of the first Drishyam. I found the film highly engaging, though it lacks an absolute punch. There are ample twists and turns in the plot, but at times I felt a certain ‘disconnect’. Nevertheless, the film remains watchable, especially when considering some of the recent films directed by Jeethu Joseph. More than a thriller, the film functions as an emotional drama, exploring Georgekutty’s character in depth and revealing how life’s hardships have affected both him and the people around him. Personally, I found it much better than Drishyam 2, though I still believe that the first Drishyam remains the best in the franchise.
Among the positives, the actors have done a remarkable job. Meena, Ansiba, Esther, Siddique, Veena Nandakumar, Santhi Mayadevi, Dinesh Prabhakar, Irshad Ali, Asha Sharath, Sumesh Chandran, Ajith Koothattukal, Biju Menon and Shajon were all impressive. Murali Gopy deserves special mention for reprising the role of IG Thomas Bastin IPS with elegance and restraint. His looks, style and performance strongly resembled Bharath Gopi, making it a delight to watch. The cinematography by Satheesh Kurup complements the narrative well, though I felt that V. S. Vinayak’s editing could have been sharper. The background score occasionally becomes too loud, but overall, it supports the narrative effectively. Jeethu Joseph’s writing is commendable, especially considering the challenge of creating a sequel to such a popular franchise. His craft of building tension remains intact.
However, the film is not without flaws. As mentioned earlier, the ending feels slightly muddled with excessive detailing and forced twists. Certain dialogues seem amateurish and some scenes are handled too casually despite having the potential to generate thunderous applause in theatres. The film’s biggest strength is undoubtedly the towering presence of Mohanlal as Georgekutty. He shoulders the film entirely with a mind-blowing performance, as an affectionate father and husband, a successful businessman, a man constantly at war with unseen enemies and above all, as someone burdened by a deep prick of conscience. Georgekutty was never an extraordinary man, but rather someone gifted with quick reflexes and intelligence and Mohanlal portrays this idea to perfection. His expressions, emotions, dialogue delivery and especially his understated acting are sure to linger in the audience’s mind for a long time. Overall, I believe the film does justice to the franchise’s legacy while also leaving room for another sequel. So, watch Drishyam 3 for its engaging moments, unexpected twists, solid performances, Jeethu Joseph’s return to familiar terrain, and above all, for Mohanlal, the master performer. I am sure it will not disappoint you.
Ranjith Krishnan
