‘I wanted to write an original story’: Abhishek Pathak on directing Drishyam 3
Source Entity
Alaka Sahani
Director Abhishek Pathak is developing an original narrative for the third installment of the Drishyam franchise. This departure from the original Malayalam source material aims to build on the massive commercial success of the previous films.
The Evolution of the Drishyam Franchise
The Drishyam franchise has cemented its place as a cornerstone of modern Indian thriller cinema, transforming from a regional adaptation into a massive commercial juggernaut. With the first film released in 2015, the series introduced audiences to the gripping saga of Vijay Salgaonkar, portrayed by Ajay Devgn. The franchise’s ability to maintain high stakes and audience investment over nearly a decade is a rare feat in the industry, culminating in a worldwide box-office collection exceeding Rs 560 crore.
Transitioning from Adaptation to Originality
Abhishek Pathak, who initially served as a producer for the franchise, took the helm as director starting with Drishyam 2. While the first two films drew their narrative foundation from the established Malayalam-language source material, the upcoming third installment, Drishyam: The Conclusion, marks a significant creative pivot. Pathak has explicitly stated his intention to move away from the Malayalam counterpart to craft an entirely original story, signaling a maturation of the brand.
The Challenge of Sustained Suspense
Maintaining the intellectual cat-and-mouse game between Vijay Salgaonkar and the police is the primary engine of the Drishyam universe. For a thriller series to remain compelling, the protagonist must consistently stay one step ahead of the law, a trope that Pathak has successfully navigated thus far. By opting for an original script, the production team faces the daunting task of evolving the character of Salgaonkar while ensuring the plot remains grounded in the established logic that fans have come to expect.
Commercial Impact and Industry Benchmarks
The financial performance of the Drishyam series has set a new benchmark for the thriller genre in India. By providing Ajay Devgn with his biggest commercial success to date, the franchise has proven that high-concept, mid-budget thrillers can rival large-scale action spectacles. The shift toward an original narrative for the third film is a bold business strategy, reflecting confidence in the brand's ability to retain its loyal audience without relying on pre-existing source material from other languages.
Looking Toward The Conclusion
As the franchise heads toward The Conclusion, the pressure to deliver a satisfying end to the Salgaonkar narrative is immense. Pathak’s desire to write an 'original story' indicates a creative ambition to leave a distinct mark on the franchise. This transition represents a broader trend in Indian cinema, where successful franchises are increasingly seeking to innovate internally rather than strictly adhering to previous templates, potentially setting a new standard for how sequels are conceptualized and executed in the future.