Drishyam 3: A Flawed Continuation of Georgekutty’s Tale

The cinematic landscape of India was undeniably changed with the release of ‘Drishyam’ in 2013. Directed by Jeethu Joseph, this Malayalam thriller captivated audiences with its unique premise of a righteous crime concealed by an intricate cover-up. Drawing inspiration from Keigo Higashino’s acclaimed novel ‘The Devotion of Suspect X’, the film showcased Mohanlal in the lead role of Georgekutty, a humble rubber farmer who resorts to unthinkable measures to protect his family.

The storyline follows Georgekutty as he navigates the aftermath of a tragic incident involving his daughter Anju and his wife Rani, who are compelled to confront their tormentor, Varun, the son of Inspector General Geetha. With masterful ingenuity, Georgekutty constructs an alibi so convincing that it withstands even the scrutiny in the sequel, ‘Drishyam 2’, leaving Geetha and her husband, Prabhakar, in despair as they search for their son’s body.

This week, audiences are greeted with the third installment, ‘Drishyam 3’, which once again thrusts Georgekutty into a precarious situation. Touted as a continuation of his complex narrative, the film delves into the lingering grief of Geetha and Prabhakar as they continue to mourn their loss. However, the film raises eyebrows as Georgekutty, who has previously shown remarkable composure, now seems to act recklessly by turning his harrowing experiences into a movie adaptation. This decision is quite contrary to the character’s previous attempts to shield his past from public scrutiny.

Georgekutty’s character has always embodied a certain level of cockiness, but in this new chapter, he seems to have become careless. As he grapples with the pressure of finding a suitable match for Anju, his actions appear to undermine the gravity of their past. The film questions whether Georgekutty is truly acting in his family’s best interests or if he is merely seeking a form of notoriety through his cinematic retelling.

While the film aims to engage audiences with its mix of suspense and drama, critics argue that ‘Drishyam 3’ may not have the captivating charm of its predecessors. The story, while continuing to explore themes of morality and justice, risks becoming repetitive in its narrative structure. As viewers step into theaters this week, they may find themselves yearning for the original freshness that made ‘Drishyam’ a landmark film in Indian cinema.

Source: scroll.in