Did Mohanlal Miss Mollywood’s First ₹500 Cr Film?

Despite receiving mixed reactions in several languages and only decent word-of-mouth in Kerala, Drishyam 3 has emerged as a major box-office success. The film has reportedly crossed the ₹200 crore mark within just 10 days of its release and continues to attract audiences.

This has happened largely driven by the immense popularity and credibility of the Drishyam franchise. Trade analysts believe that ₹250 crore is almost certain, while a final worldwide gross of around ₹300 crore remains a realistic possibility if the film maintains its momentum in the coming weeks.

These numbers are impressive by any standard and further reinforce the enduring appeal of the franchise. However, the film’s performance has also sparked an interesting debate among industry observers. Many believe that if Drishyam 3 had managed to recreate the magic and unanimous acclaim enjoyed by its predecessors, its box-office potential could have been significantly higher.

The franchise has a strong fan base across India, particularly in Telugu-speaking markets, where a stronger promotional campaign combined with exceptional content could have resulted in a much bigger theatrical run.

Had the film generated overwhelmingly positive word-of-mouth across all languages, experts feel it may have had a genuine shot at becoming Mollywood’s first-ever ₹500 crore grosser. While that milestone now appears unlikely, Drishyam 3 remains one of the industry’s biggest successes.