Drishyam 3 Review: Ajay Devgn’s Film Falls Short of a Grand Finale

Drishyam 3: The Conclusion has finally arrived in theatres, bringing Ajay Devgn back as Vijay Salgaonkar, the man who has repeatedly gone to extraordinary lengths to protect his family. Directed by Abhishek Pathak, the film also features Tabu, Shriya Saran, Rajat Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat, Prakash Raj, Kamlesh Sawant, Ishita Dutta and Mrunal Jadhav in key roles.

Picking up from the events of the earlier films, the story once again follows Vijay as he tries to stay ahead of the law while protecting his wife Nandini and their daughters.

The film wastes little time establishing its central conflict. The screenplay moves at a steady pace and avoids the sluggish stretches that can often weigh down thrillers. There is always another problem for Vijay to solve, keeping the audience curious about how he will protect his family this time.

What Works in Drishyam 3?

The film’s biggest strength is its ability to remain engaging. Even when certain developments become predictable, the screenplay keeps introducing situations that make you wonder what Vijay’s next move will be.

The dialogues are another highlight. They are sharp, witty and add personality to the proceedings without feeling excessively forced. The humour works particularly well in scenes involving Kamlesh Sawant’s Gaitonde, providing some much-needed relief from the tension.

The film also understands exactly what audiences expect from the franchise. Vijay remains fiercely committed to protecting his family and is willing to take whatever steps are necessary.

Ajay Devgn’s restrained performance works especially well here. Vijay does not need long speeches to communicate what he is thinking. His expressions, pauses and carefully calculated reactions often reveal more than words.

Performances

Ajay Devgn remains controlled and understated as Vijay Salgaonkar. His character is always several steps ahead, and Devgn effectively conveys that calculation through body language and subtle expressions.

Jaideep Ahlawat is one of the film’s major strengths. His character is observant, intelligent and determined to understand Vijay’s strategy. Ahlawat brings intensity to the role and makes their cat-and-mouse dynamic one of the more engaging aspects of the film.

Prakash Raj makes a strong impression whenever he appears. His screen presence adds weight to the proceedings, particularly during the courtroom sequences. His exchanges with the other characters are among the film’s most compelling moments.

Shriya Saran, Tabu and Rajat Kapoor deliver dependable performances and fit naturally into the established world of the franchise.

Kamlesh Sawant is particularly effective as Gaitonde. His comic timing and sharply written lines provide moments of humour without completely disrupting the film’s tense atmosphere.

What Doesn’t Work?

The biggest drawback is predictability. While the film remains gripping, it rarely manages to surprise viewers who are familiar with the earlier instalments. Several developments can be anticipated well before they unfold.

There is also a strong sense of familiarity. The family-protection theme, Vijay’s calculated moves and the continuing battle between him and the authorities once again form the backbone of the story.

That approach makes the film accessible to franchise fans, but it also limits its impact. Since this is being positioned as the concluding chapter, there is an expectation of a bigger shift or a more unexpected direction. A stronger departure from the established formula could have given the finale greater weight.

Instead, the film largely stays within familiar territory and delivers an ending that fits the franchise without necessarily providing a major shock.

Verdict

Drishyam 3: The Conclusion is a fast-paced and engaging thriller that benefits from a strong cast and a screenplay that keeps the story moving. Ajay Devgn, Jaideep Ahlawat, Prakash Raj and Kamlesh Sawant are particularly effective.

However, the film’s familiarity ultimately becomes its biggest limitation. It follows the established Drishyam formula closely and rarely takes the kind of bold risks that could have made the final chapter truly memorable.

For fans invested in Vijay Salgaonkar’s journey, there is enough suspense, drama and familiar charm to make the film entertaining. But as the franchise’s final chapter, Drishyam 3 feels more like a safe conclusion than the grand finale the series seemed to be building towards.