GOA — The anticipation surrounding the culmination of Vijay Salgaonkar’s saga reached a crescendo in Goa on September 9 during the trailer launch of Drishyam: The Conclusion. Franchise lead Ajay Devgn and newcomer Jaideep Ahlawat took center stage to address two of the biggest talking points surrounding the upcoming suspense thriller: its departure from the original Malayalam storyline and the casting shifts within the police force.

Unlike the previous two entries—which drew heavily from Jeethu Joseph’s Malayalam films starring Mohanlal—Devgn clarified that the third installment in the Hindi universe stands on a fresh, completely independent script.

"This film was a huge challenge for us because the first and second installments were inspired by the original. But this is the first time we are working with a completely different narrative," Devgn shared during the press conference. "Their Drishyam 3 is entirely different, and our film is entirely different. It isn't just a matter of minor tweaks; it’s an original plot."

Devgn expressed his eagerness to share this new chapter with Malayalam superstar Mohanlal. "I want Lal sir and their team to watch the film. Getting their seal of approval would mean a lot to me and make me immensely happy. I’m honestly dying to show it to Lal sir," he added.

The lead actor also emphasized that Drishyam: The Conclusion marks the definitive end of the Hindi franchise. "After Drishyam 2, we weren't sure if a third part would even happen. It’s tough to maintain the suspense from where the last story ended without repeating ourselves. We felt this should be the final chapter—there's no point in trying to stretch it beyond its peak."

Jaideep Ahlawat Clears the Air on Akshaye Khanna Comparisons

The event also provided clarity regarding Jaideep Ahlawat’s entry into the franchise following the exit of Akshaye Khanna, who played Inspector General Tarun Ahlawat in Drishyam 2. Speculation had been rife that Ahlawat was brought in as a direct replacement. However, both Ahlawat and director Abhishek Pathak firmly dismissed those claims.

Ahlawat steps in as SP Crime Branch officer Rajveer Singh Tomar, a new antagonist determined to dismantle Vijay Salgaonkar’s tight cover story.

"When I was pitched the story, it was never framed as if I was stepping into Akshaye Sir’s shoes," Ahlawat explained. "One character’s arc reaches its conclusion, and another is brought into the fold. Taking on pressure from comparisons makes no sense as an actor because my character’s dynamic, motivation, and approach to the investigation are entirely unique."

Pathak corroborated the actor's statement, confirming that Rajveer Tomar was conceived as an independent character rather than a continuation of Khanna's role.

Devgn further noted that bringing in the Crime Branch was essential to keeping the plot fresh. "Since the local police couldn't crack the case, the scope of the threat had to expand. Introducing the Crime Branch allowed us to change the direction of the investigation and avoid repetitive tropes," Devgn said.

Directed by Abhishek Pathak, Drishyam: The Conclusion stars Ajay Devgn alongside returning cast members Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Rajat Kapoor, with Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj joining the ensemble. The final chapter is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on October 2.