Mirage director Jeethu Joseph: If I’d known how successful Drishyam would be, I would have…

Malayalam filmmaker Jeethu Joseph will have his 19thfilm as a director in theatres on September 19 with Mirage, starring Asif Ali and Aparna Balamurali in the lead. The actors were, interestingly, last seen together onscreen a year ago in the successful thriller Kishkindha Kaandam. Despite a filmography that includes family dramas, comedies and more, right from 2007, Jeethu is best known for his 2013 Drishyam, and its subsequent 2021 sequel Drishyam 2.

Jeethu Joseph: Being known for Drishyam is a reality I have to live with

Jeethu, who is currently promoting Mirage, spoke to Galatta Plus about this, and said that it’s a reality that he has to live with, although it saddens him at times. The filmmaker added that whenever he gets the chance to engage people in conversations about films, he does bring up his body of work, and that some of the names have taken his audience by surprise, like, for instance, Mummy & Me.

The filmmaker reasons that Drishyam being attributed as his claim to fame is because it went to ‘another level’. “It travelled across the globe, so, automatically, people will mention that film only,” he says and adds, “When Drishyam came out, I knew it would be a good film, but I did not expect the level of success it attained; otherwise I would have produced it.”

Also read: Mohanlal's Drishyam 3: Jeethu Joseph reveals how they prevented Ajay Devgn-starrer’s team from making an early start

Jeethu explains that his prerogative when making a film is to ensure two things - that the audience walks out of theatres and says it is a nice film, and that his producer does not lose money. In that sense, he was sure that Drishyam would work on those two counts. “Whatever I get over and above that is a bonus,” he said.

The filmmaker added that his script for Drishyam 3 has been finalized, after multiple drafts and discussions with stakeholders. The film, he says, will be different from the first two parts and will explore Georgekutty’s life 4 years after the events of the second film – a very natural progression. “If audiences are expecting a heavily intelligent game like Drishyam 2, then they will be disappointed,” said Jeethu, who is set to go on floors with the third instalment in October.

FAQs

Q. How many movies has Jeethu Joseph directed?

Jeethu Joseph has directed over 18 films, including Drishyam, 12th Man, Neru, and My Boss, among others.

Q. Is there going to be Drishyam 3?

Yes, Drishyam 3 is happening, Jeethu Joseph and Mohanlal had confirmed.

Q. Is the Drishyam 3 shooting started?

Drishyam 3 shooting will start in October 2025.

Q. Is Drishyam 3 cast?

Drishyam 3 cast includes actors Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan, and Esther Anil