Filmmaker Jeethu Joseph, who directed the original Drishyam in Malayalam, recently opened up about his initial reservations and a stern warning he issued when the Hindi remake starring Ajay Devgn was being planned. The director revealed that while he was proud to see his film transcend languages and cultures, he was adamant that the essence of the story should remain untouched.
In an exclusive conversation during a film symposium in Kochi, Jeethu said, “I had a very clear message for the makers of the Hindi remake — don’t mess with the soul of the story. Drishyam is not just a thriller, it’s an emotional journey about a father’s desperation and moral dilemma. You lose that, you lose everything.”
Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam (2015), directed by Nishikant Kamat, went on to become a massive hit and was praised for staying true to the spirit of the original. Jeethu Joseph shared that he was relieved when he saw the final product, stating that Kamat had treated the story with “care and restraint.”
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Jeethu continued, “I wasn’t trying to control the creative process, but I wanted them to know how sensitive the balance is in this story. It’s not about action or loud drama. The silences, the tension, the family bond — they are what carry the weight.”
The Malayalam Drishyam (2013), starring Mohanlal, is considered a landmark in Indian cinema for its intelligent writing and emotional depth. The Hindi version, which also starred Tabu and Shriya Saran, led to an equally successful sequel — Drishyam 2 — and talks are underway for a possible third part.
Jeethu concluded with pride, “When a story you created goes on to become a pan-India phenomenon, you feel grateful. But I’ll always stand by the importance of preserving its core. That’s what makes Drishyam timeless.”
Fans now eagerly await if Jeethu will be involved in any way with Drishyam 3, rumored to be in early scripting stages with Ajay Devgn expected to return.
