Jeethu Joseph raises legal concerns over Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3 plans. Find out what sparked the controversy and what’s at stake for the hit franchise.
In a turn of events straight out of a Drishyam story, acclaimed film director Jeethu Joseph has taken legal action regarding the forthcoming Hindi remake of Drishyam 3. The filmmaker is pursuing legal issues as speculation grows that the Hindi remake, starring Ajay Devgn, was readying for production even before the original Malayalam version starring Mohanlal had begun shooting.
A Multi-Language Thriller That Captivated India
Before delving into the controversy, it’s useful to provide some context regarding the Drishyam franchise:
The original Malayalam film, entitled Drishyam (2013), written and directed by Jeethu Joseph, which starred Mohanlal, was a watershed moment in Indian cinema.
This film was recast in multiple other languages–Hindi (Ajay Devgn), Tamil (Kamal Haasan), Telugu (Venkatesh), and Kannada (Ravichandran)–to great success.
The most recent Hindi remake, entitled Drishyam 2, grossed over ₹343 crore worldwide, making it one of Ajay Devgn‘s biggest box office successes to date.
So the Drishyam franchise is not just popular; it is a pan-India phenomenon. Hence, when rumors of Drishyam 3 in Hindi being set up for early production emerged, it admittedly caused some chatter, including director Jeethu Joseph’s.
The Legal Warning: Jeethu Joseph Takes Action
In the latest news, Jeethu Joseph has served a legal warning to the Hindi production team over being ahead of schedule and preparing to film Drishyam 3 when the first Malayalam version hasn’t even started.
Key Facts:
- Jeethu Joseph created the original Drishyam franchise.
- He has the option to retain story rights and ownership of the original version.
- If they filmed Drishyam 3 too early, this would possibly dilute the story while resulting in legal trouble.
Production Timeline: Malayalam Vs Hindi
Malayalam Version
Jeethu Joseph confirmed that the Malayalam version of Drishyam 3, which stars Mohanlal, is set to be filmed by October 2025.
The script is said to be in the final stages of development and will maintain a tight, suspense-filled story like previous versions.
Hindi Version
The initial reports say Ajay Devgn’s team was going to film ahead of schedule.
However, after the legal warning, reports suggested that they put their plans on hold, pending the original’s release.
Why This Matters: The Legitimacy of Storytelling
Jeethu Joseph’s situation is not just a legal challenge; it’s a challenge to artistic legitimacy.
Imagine reading a translated book before the original was even written? That is what this is like.
By stopping the premature production, Jeethu is able to ensure the following:
Uniformity across all versions of the franchise.
Adherence to the original narrative arc which is crucial in the mystery-thriller genre.
The creative collaboration is fair, which will see remakes follow the map of the original creator.
Franchise Worth and IP Rights
Here’s where it gets even more interesting. Drishyam is not just a film series; it is a multi-crore IP.
Revenue Statistics:
Drishyam 2 (Hindi)- ₹343 crores Worldwide.
The aggregate box office of the versions of Drishyam exceeds ₹600 crores.
The OTT and satellite rights across all languages are worth millions.
What Next for the Franchise?
With the legal issues seemingly resolved (if only for a moment), this is what we can expect:
Malayalam Drishyam 3:
Shoot start – October 2025.
Release date – Mid to late 2026.
Directed by Jeethu Joseph, starring Mohanlal
Storyline – Under wrap, but it is likely to be the last in the series.
Hindi Drishyam 3:
Status – On hold.
It will probably start when the Malayalam version is finished.
Cast – Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran (although probably).
The Last Word on the Drishyam 3 Copyright Saga
Jeethu Joseph’s definitive legal agenda is not about a competition at all; it is about protecting the integrity of the story he created – that he developed, pitched, filmed, and produced over approximately ten years. Baseless remakes are encroaching on the market for original cinematic storytelling – this event is a rare occasion for a creator to stand up for his own original values and creative vision.
FAQs
1. Who owns the rights to the Drishyam franchise?
Jeethu Joseph, the creator and director of the Malayalam version, is the owner of the original story rights, and he has creative control over the direction of the narrative in the Drishyam franchise.
2. Why was a legal notice sent to the Hindi Drishyam 3 team?
Because they planned to begin production before the original Malayalam version produced by Jeethu Joseph had started, which breaches the copyright terms and creative ownership.
3. Is Drishyam 3 the last movie in the Drishyam franchise?
Yes. Jeethu Joseph and Mohanlal have publicly stated that they will finish the Drishyam franchise after Drishyam 3.
4. When is Drishyam 3 releasing in Malayalam?
Filming is anticipated to begin in October 2025, and release is tentatively set for late 2026, possibly in November.
5. Will Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3 follow the same storyline?
Yes, but only after the original Drishyam 3 is complete. The Hindi film would be the representation of Jeethu Joseph’s third and final story in the Drishyam franchise, similar to the previous two instalments.