New Delhi: Akshaye Khanna is out of Drishyam: The Conclusion, but fans say they are not missing him, with Jaideep Ahlawat stepping into the franchise as SP Crime Branch officer Rajveer Singh Tomar, the new cop investigating Vijay Salgaonkar’s case. Ahlawat’s performance has now become one of the biggest talking points around the film, with viewers comparing his turn with Khanna’s in the previous instalment.
“Replacing AKSHAYE KHANNA in a film is basically a career DEATH sentence for any actor, unless your name is JAIDEEP AHLAWAT,” a user said.
“Jaideep Ahlawat’s lungs should get Param Vir Chakra for this movie,” another user commented.
“I’ve watched Drishyam 3. Didn’t miss Akshaye Khanna at all. Jaideep did a great job,” a user wrote.
“Jaideep Ahlawat chewed up the scenery, male lead stereotypes, and lines from the script – all at one go…Won’t be a stretch to say he’s running the show,” another user said.
“I want to praise Jaideep Ahlawat’s acting in Drishyam 3 once again. Jaideep Ahlawat has captured the body language and mannerisms of a police officer brilliantly,” a user wrote.
The Abhishek Pathak-directed Drishyam: The Conclusion, starring Ajay Devgn, continues the story of Vijay Salgaonkar and his family, who had managed to conceal the truth surrounding the death of Sam, the son of Meera Deshmukh, played by Tabu, and Mahesh Deshmukh, played by Rajat Kapoor.
The new threat comes in the form of Crime Branch officer Rajveer Singh Tomar, played by Ahlawat, who begins investigating the case and puts Vijay and his family under renewed scrutiny. Meera also seeks the help of lawyer Indrajith Shetty, played by Prakash Raj, while Inspector Laxmikant Gaitonde, played by Kamlesh Sawant, also returns.
Unlike the first two Hindi films, which were adapted from Jeethu Joseph’s Malayalam Drishyam films starring Mohanlal, Drishyam: The Conclusion follows a new story written specifically for the Hindi franchise.
Fans praise the climax
Beyond Ahlawat’s performance, viewers have been praising the film’s climax, storytelling and thriller elements. Some felt the third instalment improved upon its predecessor, while one viewer even preferred it over the Malayalam original.
“Much better than the previous part, and for me, even better than the Malayalam one. Glad they changed the climax. A fitting conclusion that finally puts a full stop to the franchise… hopefully,” a user wrote.
Several viewers focused on the film’s twists and its ability to keep them guessing until the end.
“Drishyam: The Conclusion is mind blowing than all previous ones. Incredible story telling .. I was wondering again till the very end,” another viewer commented.
Another user said the film retained the essence of the franchise, particularly in its final act.
“Drishyam: The Conclusion actually feels like a proper Drishyam film…And that climax? Drishyam being Drishyam. A satisfying conclusion to the franchise,” the user wrote.
Viewers also highlighted the film’s treatment of the thriller, with some praising its focus on the central story rather than unnecessary drama or extended sequences. One user compared its final stretch to The Shawshank Redemption.
“Amazing performance by Ajay Devgn and Jaydeep Ahlawat. As with earlier parts, the last 30 minutes are like an Indian Shawshank Redemption,” a user wrote.
“Ajay Devgn gave us the best Indian movie trilogy ever. #Drishyam3 deserves more accolades tbh. Amazing one!” another user commented.
“Vijay Salgaonkar stays two steps ahead once more—Drishyam 3’s twists and Ajay Devgn’s quiet intensity make for a satisfying franchise closer,” another comment read
(Edited By Raunaq Lekhi)