Drishyam 3 Trailer: Jaideep Ahlawat vs Ajay Devgn

Abhishek Joshi — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 16:02:50 +0530

The long-running cat-and-mouse game between Vijay Salgaonkar and the police takes a darker turn in the trailer of Drishyam: The Conclusion. Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay, while Tabu reprises her role as Meera Deshmukh and Jaideep Ahlawat enters the franchise as a new Crime Branch officer determined to uncover the truth.

Released on September 9, the trailer sets up the third film as the concluding chapter of Vijay's decade-long struggle to protect his family from the consequences of the murder at the centre of the franchise. The film, directed by Abhishek Pathak, will arrive in theatres on October 2, 2026.

Jaideep Ahlawat Enters as a New Threat

The biggest addition to the franchise is Jaideep Ahlawat, who plays SP Crime Branch Rajveer Singh Tomar. Unlike the earlier investigations, Rajveer appears determined to approach Vijay's case from a fresh angle and challenge the carefully constructed story that has protected the Salgaonkar family for years.

The trailer presents him as a sharp and persistent investigator, adding a new dimension to the familiar battle between Vijay and law enforcement.

Ahlawat's character is not simply presented as a replacement for Akshaye Khanna's police officer from Drishyam 2. At the film's trailer launch, Ahlawat himself clarified that his character is a new addition to the story rather than a replacement for Khanna's character.

Tabu's Meera Wants Revenge

Tabu returns as IG Meera Deshmukh, whose son Sameer was killed in the events that triggered the original Drishyamstory.

The new trailer shows Meera's pursuit becoming more personal. The character is no longer presented as being satisfied merely with establishing Vijay's involvement. Her anger has reached a point where revenge appears to have become her motivation.

The trailer also brings back Rajat Kapoor as Mahesh Deshmukh, while Shriya Saran returns as Nandini Salgaonkar.

Vijay Salgaonkar Faces His Toughest Test

Vijay has repeatedly relied on preparation, timing and carefully constructed explanations to keep his family safe. But Drishyam: The Conclusion appears to challenge the very strategy that made him so difficult to defeat.

The trailer suggests that Vijay understands the threat has changed. Instead of another straightforward police investigation, he now faces a combination of experienced investigators and people personally invested in exposing him.

Prakash Raj also joins the cast as a lawyer who recognises that Vijay cannot be underestimated simply because he lacks formal education.

The result is a familiar Drishyam setup with a significantly larger challenge: can Vijay stay ahead when the people pursuing him have begun anticipating his methods?

Why October 2 Matters to the Franchise

The release date carries particular significance for Drishyam fans. The film will open in cinemas on October 2, 2026, continuing the franchise's association with the date that became an important part of Vijay's original alibi and the series' recurring pop-culture reference.

The makers have positioned the film as the final chapter of the Hindi franchise, promising to bring the long-running mystery surrounding the Salgaonkar family to its decisive stage.

Akshaye Khanna's Absence

One of the notable changes in the cast is the absence of Akshaye Khanna, who played a police officer in Drishyam 2.

His departure was reported before production began, and Jaideep Ahlawat's arrival initially led to speculation that he would effectively take over the earlier character's position. However, Ahlawat has said his role is a new character rather than a replacement.

The distinction is significant because it suggests the filmmakers are expanding the investigation rather than simply repeating the previous film's police-versus-Vijay dynamic.

The Final Game Begins on October 2

Directed by Abhishek Pathak, Drishyam: The Conclusion also stars Ishita Dutta, Mrunal Jadhav and Kamlesh Sawant, alongside Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Ahlawat and Prakash Raj. (Bollywood Hungama)

The trailer deliberately keeps the central mystery unresolved: whether Vijay can once again protect his family or whether the accumulated pressure will finally expose what happened.

After two films built around deception, evidence and psychological games, the third instalment is promising a final confrontation in which Vijay may have fewer options than ever before.

Ajay Devgn’s much-awaited film ‘Drishyam 3’ is officially set to hit theatres on 2 October 2026, marking the grand finale of one of Indian cinema’s most successful and critically acclaimed suspense-thriller franchises. The announcement has already created a strong wave of excitement among fans, who have been following the journey of Vijay Salgaonkar’s character since the first installment.

The film, starring Ajay Devgn, Tabu, and Shriya Saran, will continue the gripping narrative that has kept audiences on the edge of their seats for years. Produced by Panorama Studios, Drishyam 3 is being described as the final chapter of the franchise, promising a powerful conclusion filled with suspense, emotional depth, and unexpected twists.

The Drishyam series has built a strong reputation in Indian cinema for its intelligent storytelling and psychological thriller elements. The first two parts were widely appreciated for their tight screenplay, intense performances, and unpredictable narrative style. With the third installment, expectations are naturally very high as audiences anticipate a fitting and impactful conclusion to the story.

According to industry updates, Drishyam 3 will continue the story of Vijay Salgaonkar, played by Ajay Devgn, a seemingly ordinary man whose life has been defined by extraordinary circumstances. His character, known for his sharp mind and ability to stay ahead of the law, will once again face new challenges that test his intelligence, patience, and emotional strength.

Tabu, who plays the determined and sharp-witted police officer Meera Deshmukh, is also expected to return in a powerful role. Her character has been one of the key driving forces of the franchise, representing justice, grief, and persistence. Shriya Saran will reprise her role as Vijay’s wife, adding emotional balance and depth to the storyline.

What makes Drishyam 3 even more significant is the fact that it is being positioned as the final chapter of the franchise. The makers have confirmed that this installment will bring closure to the long-running story, answering key questions that have remained unresolved since the first film. Fans are expecting a dramatic and emotionally charged climax that ties all loose ends together.

In addition to the Hindi version, the Malayalam industry will also see its own version of the third installment. The Malayalam Drishyam 3, starring Mohanlal, is scheduled for release earlier on 21 May 2026. Since the original Drishyam film was first made in Malayalam and later remade in multiple languages, both versions hold strong importance for audiences across India.

The parallel release strategy has further increased interest in the franchise, as fans will be able to compare how the story unfolds in different languages while maintaining its core suspense elements. Mohanlal’s portrayal of Georgekutty in the Malayalam version has been iconic, just as Ajay Devgn’s Vijay Salgaonkar has become a landmark character in Hindi cinema.

Directed with a focus on psychological tension and emotional storytelling, Drishyam 3 is expected to maintain the franchise’s signature style of slow-burn suspense. Instead of relying on action-heavy sequences, the film is likely to focus on smart storytelling, character development, and unexpected revelations.

The production house, Panorama Studios, has been working carefully to ensure that the final installment lives up to audience expectations. Given the massive success of the previous two films, the makers are under pressure to deliver a satisfying conclusion that does justice to the story’s legacy.

Film analysts believe that Drishyam 3 could become one of the biggest box office releases of 2026, especially due to the franchise’s strong fan base and long-standing popularity. The combination of Ajay Devgn’s powerful screen presence, Tabu’s intense performance style, and the film’s gripping storyline is expected to attract audiences across all age groups.

The Drishyam franchise has always stood out for its realistic portrayal of crime, family bonds, and moral dilemmas. Unlike typical thrillers, it focuses more on intelligence and strategy rather than violence, making it appealing to a wide audience. This unique storytelling approach is expected to continue in the final chapter as well.

As the release date approaches, promotional activities are expected to begin in full swing. The makers are likely to reveal teasers, posters, and trailers that will gradually build anticipation for the film’s conclusion. Fans are especially eager to see how Vijay Salgaonkar’s story will end and whether he will finally face consequences or outsmart every challenge once again.

Overall, Drishyam 3 is shaping up to be a landmark film in Indian cinema. With its powerful cast, proven storyline, and emotional depth, the film is expected to deliver a memorable cinematic experience. As the final chapter of a highly successful franchise, it carries the responsibility of concluding a story that has kept audiences engaged for over a decade.

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Shriya Saran - Dainik Jagran English