‘I wanted to write an original story’: Abhishek Pathak on directing Drishyam 3

Abhishek Pathak's Creative Shift

Abhishek Pathak, a key figure in the Hindi 'Drishyam' universe, is taking a significant creative leap with the upcoming 'Drishyam 3'. Having started as a producer for the first film and then directing 'Drishyam 2', both of which were adaptations of Malayalam originals, Pathak has now committed to an entirely original story for the third installment. This decision stems from a desire to 'own the film' and move past the 'remake' tag, which he feels often overshadows the craft involved in filmmaking. The screenplay for 'Drishyam 3' took two years to develop, underscoring the director's dedication to crafting a unique narrative that resonates with the established emotional fabric of the franchise.

Pathak's ambition to create an original story for 'Drishyam 3' reflects a broader aspiration within the Indian film industry to produce unique content rather than relying solely on remakes. He draws a parallel to international cinema, citing Martin Scorsese's 'The Departed' as an example of a well-made adaptation that transcended its source material. By investing two years in writing an original screenplay, Pathak aims to ensure that 'Drishyam 3' stands on its own merits while still delivering the entertainment and emotional depth audiences expect from the series. This move could set a precedent for other successful franchises to explore original narratives, fostering greater creative independence.

Drishyam's Commercial Success

'Drishyam: The Conclusion' has achieved remarkable commercial success, collecting over Rs 560 crore worldwide and setting a new box-office benchmark for a thriller. This makes it Ajay Devgn's career's biggest commercial success, solidifying the franchise's appeal. Pathak attributes this success not just to the intricate twists and turns, but primarily to the emotional core centered around Vijay Salgaonkar's unwavering commitment to protect his family. The director emphasizes that despite Vijay's rule-bending actions, his motivations are deeply rooted in familial love, a theme that has consistently resonated with audiences since the first film in 2015.

The consistent audience investment in Vijay Salgaonkar's journey to outwit the police highlights the franchise's ability to connect on a human level. Pathak consciously ensured that the writing for 'Drishyam: The Conclusion' stayed true to this emotional fabric, focusing on a simple man's desperate efforts to save his wife and daughters. This emphasis on family-centric emotion, rather than just the suspense, has been a critical factor in the franchise's enduring popularity and commercial triumph. The director's understanding of this core appeal is crucial as he embarks on an original story for the next installment, aiming to maintain this emotional resonance.

Vijay Salgaonkar's Narrative

One of the recurring themes in the 'Drishyam' franchise, subtly referenced by Saurabh Shukla's character, is the trope that 'hero jail nahin jata' (the hero never goes to jail). Abhishek Pathak clarifies that this isn't a comment on Hindi cinema conventions but rather a reflection of Vijay Salgaonkar's unique circumstances and agency. In Vijay's story, he actively writes his own narrative, employing every trick to avoid incarceration because his family's survival and well-being depend on his freedom. This framing elevates Vijay from a mere protagonist to a master manipulator of his own destiny, driven by an intense protective instinct.

Pathak's interpretation underscores the character's resourcefulness and the high stakes involved for Vijay. His actions, though morally ambiguous, are consistently portrayed as being in service of his family, making him a relatable figure despite his extraordinary circumstances. The director's commitment to this character-driven motivation ensures that even with an original story for 'Drishyam 3', the essence of Vijay Salgaonkar's struggle and his unwavering dedication to his family will remain central. This deep understanding of the character's psychology is key to maintaining the franchise's appeal and ensuring that the audience continues to root for Vijay, regardless of the legal implications of his actions.