Drishyam 3: Prakash Raj joins Ajay Devgn and Tabu for franchise's explosive final chapter
Prakash Raj joins Ajay Devgn for Drishyam 3, playing a fresh, non-cop role. Releasing Oct 2, 2026, the final chapter adds Jaideep Ahlawat for a high-stakes battle of wits. Expect a massive opening.
Last Updated: 05.23 PM, Feb 10, 2026
The much-anticipated third installment of the Drishyam series has cast another powerhouse performer. Along with Ajay Devgn, Tabu, and Shriya Saran, veteran actor Prakash Raj has been formally added to the cast of Drishyam 3.
Who is the latest powerhouse addition to the Drishyam 3 cast?
Following major cast updates in late 2025, the production has been the focus of great speculation, and this casting change comes at a key stage. Fans of Raj's work in various genres are hoping that he adds gravitas to the high-stakes thriller.
The addition of the actor seems to be motivated by a distinct character development, in contrast to the majority of franchise expansions that depend on repeating characters. Drishyam 3 will reportedly feature the actor in a different role from his previous work as a police officer, which has made him renowned (most notably in Singham and Khakee).
What convinced Prakash Raj to join the franchise?
"Prakash Raj is extremely selective and signs films only when the script and the character genuinely excite him. Drishyam 3 offered both. He was instantly on board and has already begun shooting for the film," said a source close to the development, as reported by Bollywood Hungama.
The insider addressed the speculation about his character's occupation by saying, "He's not playing a cop. It’s a fresh, intriguing character, very different from what audiences might expect, and it significantly adds to the narrative."
Which original cast members are returning for Drishyam 3?
The core cast of Drishyam is back for more, including Tabu and Shriya Saran, along with Devgn, who plays the resourceful Vijay Salgaonkar. Much has happened on the way to Chapter 3 that has made news.
Jaideep Ahlawat joined the cast and crew in December 2025. After rumours surfaced about Akshaye Khanna's creative departure from his role as the dogged IG Tarun Ahlawat in the second instalment, the actor made his entry into the franchise. Director Abhishek Pathak has hinted that the story is changing to incorporate fresh viewpoints; thus, Ahlawat and Raj are crucial to this "final chapter", even if early reports suggested a straight replacement.
When can fans expect the Drishyam 3 to hit theatres?
Drishyam 3 is co-written by Pathak, Aamil Keeyan Khan, and Parveez Shaikh. October 2, 2026, is the film's locked release date in theatres. The iconic alibi set in the 2015 original has made this date synonymous with the Drishyam brand.
The makers have deftly used this "recall value" all through the show. Drishyam 2 had a brilliant marketing effort that included opening bookings on October 2. Tickets sold out in a matter of weeks before the November release. A national holiday has become a marketing behemoth for the franchise thanks to this savvy branding.
What are the box office expectations for Drishyam 3?
Trade analysts expect the third film to have one of the greatest opening weekends in 2026. The show's "visual thinking" puzzles and tight storylines have made it famous for testing viewers' assumptions about fairness and truth.
The industry is hoping for a more complex "battle of wits" than the tried-and-true cat-and-mouse games of earlier films now that Raj is involved. The family of Vijay Salgaonkar is facing unprecedented danger as filming progresses.
Drishyam 3 FAQs:
Q: Who is the new cast member in Drishyam 3?
A: Veteran actor Prakash Raj is the latest high-profile addition to the Drishyam 3 cast. He joins a stellar lineup that includes returning leads Ajay Devgn, Tabu, and Shriya Saran. Additionally, Jaideep Ahlawat joined the production in late 2025 following the exit of Akshaye Khanna.
Q: Is Prakash Raj playing a cop in Drishyam 3?
A: While Prakash Raj is famous for playing iconic police officers in films like Singham, insiders have confirmed that he is not playing a cop in Drishyam 3. His role is described as a "fresh, intriguing character" that breaks his usual archetype and adds a new layer of complexity to the Salgaonkar family's final chapter.
Q: Is Drishyam 3 the final movie in the series?
A: Yes, the makers have hinted that Drishyam 3 will serve as the "final chapter" of the saga. The film is expected to provide a definitive resolution to Vijay Salgaonkar’s long-standing battle with the law and the various "visual thinking" puzzles he has created to protect his family.