Some films age; others become reference points. In this Drishyam movie review, we revisit Jeethu Joseph’s 2013 thriller starring Mohanlal — the film that changed the course of the Malayalam thriller, inspired remakes in multiple Indian languages and even a Chinese adaptation, and launched a franchise that reached its third chapter in 2026.
More than a decade after its release, does Drishyam still hold up? Absolutely. In fact, knowing how influential it became makes you appreciate its craftsmanship even more.
Quick Verdict
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Best for: everyone — it is the ideal introduction to Malayalam cinema.
- Highlights: Jeethu Joseph’s airtight screenplay, Mohanlal’s understated performance, the unforgettable climax.
- Minor flaw: the first 40 minutes are deliberately unhurried.
Table of Contents
Drishyam: Movie Details
| Director & writer | Jeethu Joseph |
|---|---|
| Cast | Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Asha Sharath, Siddique, Kalabhavan Shajon, Roshan Basheer |
| Music | Vinu Thomas (songs), Anil Johnson (score) |
| Cinematography | Sujith Vaassudev |
| Producer | Antony Perumbavoor (Aashirvad Cinemas) |
| Release date | 19 December 2013 |
Story (No Spoilers)
Georgekutty (Mohanlal) is a cable TV operator in the small hill town of Rajakkad, Idukki. He dropped out of school after the fourth standard, but he has learned almost everything he knows from watching films late into the night. He lives a simple, happy life with his wife Rani (Meena) and daughters Anju (Ansiba Hassan) and Anu (Esther Anil).
When an unexpected incident shakes the family, Georgekutty must protect them from the consequences — and from Inspector General Geetha Prabhakar (Asha Sharath), a determined police officer with personal stakes in the case. What follows is a brilliant battle of wits between an ordinary man and the full force of the police system.
Mohanlal as Georgekutty
Mohanlal’s genius lies in how ordinary he makes Georgekutty. There is no hero introduction, no punch dialogue in the usual sense. He is a gentle, slightly stingy family man who loves movies. As the story turns dark, he becomes calm, calculating and fiercely protective — but never loses his humanity. The famous scenes where he quietly explains his logic are now part of Malayalam pop culture.
Asha Sharath is superb as Geetha Prabhakar, a mother and police officer whose pain makes her both sympathetic and frightening. Kalabhavan Shajon as the brutal constable Sahadevan created one of the most hated characters in Malayalam cinema. Meena, Ansiba and Esther Anil ground the film with believable family dynamics.
Drishyam Movie Review: The Screenplay Is the Real Hero
Jeethu Joseph’s script is a lesson in planting and payoff. Small details in the first half — a conversation about films, a bus ticket, a visit to a restaurant, a prayer meeting — all return later with new meaning. The film’s first act, which some viewers find slow, is actually essential: it shows us exactly who Georgekutty is, so that everything he does later feels believable.
The film also raises genuine moral questions. How far should a parent go to protect their child? Is justice the same as the law? Drishyam never gives easy answers, which is why audiences still debate it more than ten years later.
Technically, it is restrained. Sujith Vaassudev’s camera captures the misty, green Idukki landscape beautifully, and Anil Johnson’s background score builds tension without fuss. The film’s power comes from writing and performance, not flashy style.
Legacy: Remakes, Sequels and Records
Drishyam became the first Malayalam film to gross ₹50 crore and was the highest-grossing Malayalam film of its time. Its story was remade in:
- Kannada – Drishya (2014)
- Telugu – Drushyam (2014)
- Tamil – Papanasam (2015), directed by Jeethu Joseph with Kamal Haasan
- Hindi – Drishyam (2015), starring Ajay Devgn
- Sinhala – Dharmayuddhaya (2017)
- Chinese – Sheep Without a Shepherd (2019)
The sequel, Drishyam 2, released directly on Prime Video in February 2021 and was widely praised. Drishyam 3 released in theatres on 21 May 2026 and became the franchise’s biggest box office success — read our Drishyam 3 box office report.
Rewatching Drishyam in 2026
We rewatched the film for this review after Drishyam 3 arrived in theatres, and it is striking how modern it still feels. The CCTV-free small town, the cable TV network and the absence of smartphones place it in a specific moment, yet the central dilemma is timeless. Knowing the twist does not ruin the experience; instead, you notice how carefully Jeethu Joseph prepares you for it, scene by scene. Few thrillers survive a second viewing so well.
It is also interesting to watch how Georgekutty’s love of cinema becomes his greatest weapon. The film is, in a way, a love letter to movie-watching itself — fitting for a story that went on to inspire so many other filmmakers.
Rating Breakdown
| Aspect | Score |
|---|---|
| Screenplay | 5/5 |
| Performances | 4.5/5 |
| Direction | 4.5/5 |
| Music | 3.5/5 |
| Rewatch value | 5/5 |
What Works and What Doesn’t
What works
- A watertight plot where every detail matters.
- Mohanlal’s restrained, layered performance.
- Morally complex characters on both sides.
- One of the most satisfying endings in Indian cinema.
What doesn’t
- The leisurely opening may test first-time viewers.
- The songs are pleasant but forgettable.
Who should watch it?
Everyone. If you have never seen a Malayalam film, start here. If you have seen the Hindi remake, watch the original to experience Mohanlal’s very different take on the character. For similar films, browse our list of the best Malayalam thriller movies and our Mohanlal movies guide.
Final Verdict
To close this Drishyam movie review: it is a near-perfect thriller that respects its audience and rewards attention. More than a decade later, it remains the gold standard for suspense writing in India. Watch it, then watch the sequels — and notice how carefully the whole franchise has been built.
Cinemas Diary Rating: 4.5/5
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Malayalam Drishyam better than the Hindi remake?
Many viewers prefer the original for Mohanlal’s subtle performance and the authentic Idukki setting, though the Hindi version is also well made.
How many Drishyam movies are there?
There are three Malayalam films: Drishyam (2013), Drishyam 2 (2021) and Drishyam 3 (2026).
Is Drishyam based on a true story?
No. It is an original story written by Jeethu Joseph.
What is the rating in this Drishyam movie review?
We rate Drishyam 4.5 out of 5.
Full details on Wikipedia.
