Mohanlal and Jeethu Joseph‘s Drishyam 3 is one of the most anticipated projects from Mollywood, and was initially scheduled for an April 2 release. However, the film has now been postponed.
The decision comes amid the ongoing Iran–Israel–USA conflict, which is impacting the Middle East market, a crucial territory for Malayalam cinema. Similar to how Yash's Toxic was postponed to June 2026, studios are reassessing release strategies during this geopolitical uncertainty.
Why the Middle East Market Matters
The Middle East is the second biggest market for Mollywood after Kerala, and in several cases, films have even generated higher revenues there than in Kerala. The region has become increasingly important for Malayalam cinema’s commercial viability, with major releases often depending on strong overseas performance.
With the current situation affecting theatre operations and audience turnout in Gulf countries, releasing Drishyam 3 now would have carried a significant financial risk. The franchise’s previous installments performed exceptionally well in the Middle East, making this market crucial for the film’s success.
New Release Timeline
Considering these factors, postponing the release is seen as the right move from a business perspective. Drishyam 3 is now expected to target a release in mid-May or June, depending on how the situation stabilizes.
An official announcement regarding the new release date is expected soon. The Drishyam franchise has a massive fan following across South India and the Gulf region, and fans will be eagerly awaiting the new date confirmation.