We had to stop it at some point, and this was a beautiful ending: A practical reader guide

We had to stop it at some point, and this was a beautiful ending: A practical reader guide

With Drishyam 3 continuing its strong run at the box office, director Abhishek Pathak believes the franchise has reached its natural conclusion. Starring Ajay Devgn , the third film has crossed ₹ 500 crore worldwide in 12 days. The filmmaker has ruled out the possibility of a fourth instalment, saying the story has ended on a fitting note.

The film sees Ajay’s return as Vijay Salgaonkar, whose carefully guarded secrets face a fresh threat as a determined Crime Branch officer reopens the case. Tabu, Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta and Jaideep Ahlawat also feature in the film. Congratulations to Abhishek Pathak, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Ajay Devgn, and the entire cast and crew on a job so well done.”

The film received praise from Mohanlal, who said, “I watched Drishyam: The Conclusion, and I am truly impressed with the way they have brought this much-loved journey to a befitting end.

In an interview with Screen, Abhishek said he hopes October 2 continues to be celebrated as Drishyam Day and added, “All of us believe this is the last part of the film. A lot of people are telling me there can be a part 4. Drishyam 3 is only in its second week right now. The second weekend was more than ₹ 60 crore. Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3: The Conclusion has emerged as one of the biggest box-office successes of 2026, crossing the ₹ 500 crore mark worldwide within just 12 days of its release. Directed by Abhishek Pathak, the crime thriller has earned ₹ 501.80 crore globally, including ₹ 323.50 crore net in India, according to Sacnilk. The film opened with ₹ 62 crore on its first day and collected ₹ 245.50 crore in its opening week. It’s now the second highest-grossing Indian film of 2026, surpassing Border 2, Toxic, Jana Nayagan and Peddi’s lifetime hauls.

Obviously, the audience is loving it, and talking about it. But Drishyam isn’t the franchise where we can just decide to make another film. It’s very much dependent on the story, and the story has ended. I always thought the ending was very poetic. It’s a love letter to the franchise. That’s what people liked about it. If you get to it, there can be enormous amount of story to it, but that’s not the point. We had to stop it at some point, and this was a beautiful ending to the franchise. People are still coming to theatres in huge numbers. That’s a figure too many films don’t achieve even in their lifetime. So, let’s not spoil it for them. Its strong second weekend further boosted its earnings, helping it become Ajay’s highest-grossing film ever.

Abhishek further said, “The closure is beautifully done.