Veteran actor Rajat Kapoor has officially confirmed that he will reprise his role in the upcoming Hindi crime thriller Drishyam 3, the third instalment in the popular franchise. The actor, known for his nuanced portrayals of authority figures, revealed in a candid conversation with SCREEN that his character in the film will remain largely in the background, with “no character arc” to explore.
Return to the Drishyam Universe
Kapoor, acclaimed for his work in both mainstream and independent cinema, will once again portray Mahesh Deshmukh, the civilian husband of Inspector General Meera Deshmukh, played by Tabu in Drishyam 3. The character was introduced in the earlier films, where Mahesh and Meera grapple with the tragic loss of their son and confront mounting emotional and professional pressures.
Whether this third instalment would give Mahesh a stronger narrative journey had been a topic of curiosity among fans, especially after the franchise’s previous entries received acclaim for their layered, suspense-driven storytelling. However, Kapoor’s remarks offer a glimpse into the creative choices shaping his role this time.
“Still Standing Behind Tabu”: Kapoor’s Honest Take
Asked whether Drishyam 3 would provide a deeper exploration of his character, Kapoor laughed and said, “There’s nothing to crack. I was standing behind Tabu; that’s it.” He added, “There’s no arc. I’m still standing behind Tabu,” underlining that his part won’t undergo significant evolution in the film’s narrative.
Kapoor’s straightforwardness reflects both his self-awareness and the franchise’s focus: while his character supports the emotional core of the story, the primary dramatic weight rests with Tabu’s Meera, a character central to the film’s investigation and emotional journey.
Industry observers note that Drishyam 3 aims to sustain the emotional landscape and procedural tension of its predecessors, even as it introduces new twists and higher stakes for its lead characters.
A Familiar Persona on Screen
The actor also talked about his recent recurring onscreen persona often cast as government officials or authority figures. In 2025 alone, Kapoor appeared as a senior income tax officer in Raid 2 and as the director general of police in Netflix’s Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders. Describing the typecasting, Kapoor said such roles often react to others’ actions and provide limited scope for dynamic development unless written with depth.
His reflection underscores a broader trend in Hindi films where seasoned character actors, despite their range, are sometimes confined to supporting roles that lack substantial arcs. Yet, Kapoor’s consistent performances continue to add texture to ensemble casts without overshadowing leads.
About Drishyam 3 and Franchise Expectations
The Drishyam franchise has its origins in Malayalam cinema, launched by director Jeethu Joseph and starring Mohanlal as a devoted family man ensnared in a web of crime and consequence. The original film’s critical and commercial success led to multiple remakes across India, including the Hindi version starring Ajay Devgn and Shriya Saran.
The Hindi adaptation of Drishyam 3 is directed by Abhishek Pathak, who returns to helm this high-profile sequel. It continues the blend of emotional depth and investigative suspense that audiences have come to expect, centered on the Deshmukh couple’s journey through grief and justice.
The film is slated for a Hindi theatrical release on October 2, 2026. A release date for the Malayalam version has not yet been officially announced, although discussions about simultaneous or proximate regional releases continue among industry insiders.
Industry Response and Fan Buzz
Kapoor’s statement has sparked a mix of reactions online. While some fans appreciate his humor and humility, others speculate about how the franchise will balance strong lead performances with quieter supporting roles. Regardless, anticipation for Drishyam 3 remains high, with audiences eager to see how the plot unfolds around its central mystery and key characters.
As the film inches closer to production milestones and promotional roll-outs, all eyes will be on how the ensemble cast, led by Tabu and Devgn, navigates this final chapter of a compelling cinematic saga.
By – Sonali