Drishyam's Darker Chapter: How Abhishek Pathak Reimagined Vijay Salgaonkar

What's Next for Drishyam?

When I first heard about Abhishek Pathak's take on Drishyam: The Conclusion, I was curious—what would a new chapter in the story of Vijay Salgaonkar look like? The Hindi version, which diverges from the Malayalam original, offers a fresh perspective that is as thrilling as it is unexpected. Pathak's vision for this third film is bold, clear, and definitive—this isn't just another sequel; it's a conclusive journey into the depths of family loyalty, moral compromise, and personal evolution.

"It's completely different. It's a new story. It's nothing to do with Malayalam," Pathak told Variety. "It's a very different film altogether."

The franchise began in 2013 with Jeethu Joseph's Malayalam original starring Mohanlal, which was then adapted into Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and eventually Hindi in 2015. But Pathak's take on the third Hindi film is a clean break from everything that came before. While it may share some thematic ground with its predecessors, it stands on its own, not tied to the events of the second film's conclusion.

A Character Evolving

What strikes me most about this version is how Vijay Salgaonkar—played by Ajay Devgn—has evolved. In previous installments, he was a man fighting to protect his family from the law. Here, that fight becomes more intense, morally complex, and deeply personal. Pathak describes him as having "evolved into more darker shades," which is a testament to Devgn's nuanced performance. The film doesn't shy away from showing the psychological toll of his choices.

"He doesn't speak much as a character in the film," Pathak notes. "It's all about him just thinking." This quiet intensity gives Vijay more weight, transforming him from a reluctant hero into a man wrestling with consequences—both personal and societal. The lack of physicality is intentional; it underscores the internal struggle that defines this character now.

The Franchise's Global Ambitions

Pathak isn't just focused on India anymore. The franchise has gone global, with Panorama Studios now developing versions in Korean, Spanish, and English. This expansion is a sign of confidence—this story resonates beyond language barriers. But as Pathak notes, he has no plans for further Indian-language adaptations, limiting the franchise to Hindi for now.

"We are done with the Korean script right now," he says, pointing to a rapid development process that speaks to the universal appeal of the narrative. The franchise's journey from Malayalam to international stages is not just a commercial triumph—it's cultural storytelling at its finest.

A Story That Challenges Its Audience

What intrigued me most about Pathak's process was how he engaged with fan theory and expectations. He spent time analyzing online discussions, trying to understand what audiences wanted next. "That's the main game of screenplay writing," he says, noting that this kind of awareness is what sets great storytellers apart from average ones.

The spoiler culture is another challenge Pathak faces. While the Hindi version of Drishyam 2 was available in theaters when the Malayalam version was already streaming, Pathak noticed how audiences chose not to leak spoilers online, respecting the shared cinematic experience. That level of audience maturity—perhaps more so than in other countries—is something that makes Indian cinema unique.

Why This Matters for Indian Cinema

Pathak's approach is significant because it challenges the conventional narrative arc of Bollywood thrillers. While many franchises lean into spectacle or action, Drishyam: The Conclusion leans into introspection. It's a story that demands attention, not just from the eyes but from the mind.

The Hindi franchise has already had its success, but this third film isn't just about numbers—it's about legacy. As Pathak says, "This is where I'm ending the film beautifully, where all the resolution comes to an end eventually." It's a strong statement, both for the franchise and for Pathak as a filmmaker.

What's Next for Abhishek Pathak?

After producing the first two films and directing the second, Pathak is clearly in control of his creative vision. He's currently working on a horror film starring Devgn, and he's also developing sci-fi and long-form streaming projects. The shift from mainstream cinema to genre-driven content suggests a filmmaker who wants to push boundaries.

While he's not ruling out spin-offs or sequels, he's clearly focused on the present. "There's obviously interesting characters which we have in the film," he says, referencing Gaitonde as a potential vehicle for future stories. For now, though, it's time to let Vijay Salgaonkar rest—his journey is complete.

Final Thoughts

Drishyam: The Conclusion isn't just the end of a trilogy—it's a powerful statement about storytelling in India. It reminds us that great cinema doesn't need explosions or big stars to make an impact; it needs depth, intelligence, and heart. With Pathak at the helm and Devgn delivering one of his most nuanced performances, this is a conclusion worth watching.