The Drishyam 2 re-release has turned out to be a major disappointment at the Kerala box office, with the Mohanlal starrer struggling to attract audiences to theatres. Despite the franchise’s strong reputation and loyal fan base, the theatrical re-run failed to generate the expected buzz. The underwhelming response comes as a surprise, especially considering the massive success of Drishyam Part 1, which was an industry hit in Mollywood and set high standards for the series.
OTT Availability Hurts Theatre Footfall
One of the primary reasons behind the poor performance is the film’s prior release on Amazon Prime Video during the COVID period, which allowed a wide section of the audience to already watch it from home. With no major changes or added theatrical appeal, viewers did not find enough incentive to revisit the film on the big screen. Even hardcore fans showed limited enthusiasm, as the content felt familiar and lacked novelty. The decision to re-release it on April 10, ahead of the next installment, did not translate into box office gains. In comparison, recent re-releases like Athadu 4K collected ₹58 lakh on Day 1 without any special occasion, highlighting how Drishyam 2 failed to capitalize on franchise goodwill.
Abysmal Collections in Kerala
The re-release reportedly collected less than ₹5 lakh across Kerala, failing to recover even basic distribution and theatre rental expenses. This marks a clear box office setback for the Drishyam franchise), which has been known for its strong theatrical performance. The lack of fresh content, combined with widespread OTT availability, proved to be a lethal combination for theatrical prospects.
Drishyam 3 Buzz Remains Strong
However, this underperformance is unlikely to have any impact on Drishyam 3, which was postponed to May 21, 2026 due to the Middle East crisis. The third installment, expected to be the final chapter of the franchise, continues to carry strong anticipation among fans and trade circles. With fresh content, high stakes, and Jeethu Joseph returning as director, it is expected to draw audiences back to theatres despite the setback faced by the Drishyam 2 re-release. The May 21 date also coincides with Mohanlal‘s birthday, adding to the event appeal.