Producer‑director Abhishek Pathak says he’s keeping box‑office numbers to himself while promising a mass‑appeal thriller for single‑screen fans.
Ajay Devgn’s long‑awaited third instalment, Drishyam The Conclusion, is set to hit theatres on October 2. Trade chatter has been buzzing about a possible Rs 50 crore first‑day haul, but the film’s own producer‑director is steering clear of any public optimism.
In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama, Abhishek Pathak – who also co‑wrote and produced the thriller – admitted he prefers to keep his numbers private. “I don’t want to hope for anything,” he said, refusing to put a target on paper even as the market speculates.
The caution comes after the franchise’s second chapter proved a surprise hit. Drishyam 2 opened with just over Rs 15 crore and eventually amassed a lifetime total of roughly Rs 240 crore, a feat that surprised many still nursing the post‑COVID recovery. Pathak recalled that, a month before the sequel’s release, he and his father Kumar Mangat Pathak were already hoping to breach the Rs 200 crore mark.
“Both of us predicted, ‘I have a hope that this film will cross the Rs 200 crore mark’,” he recounted. The confidence, he said, stemmed from the series’ strong recall value and the material they had in the edit.
Now, with the final chapter poised to close the story, Pathak is more focused on the audience experience than on numbers. “I want people to come and experience it in theatres because very few thrillers in this country offer the kind of feeling and experience that we have created with this film,” he explained. He added that the film balances intensity with moments that let viewers relax, a blend he hopes will keep the crowd from feeling bored.
The director also hinted at a distribution strategy that leans heavily on single‑screen venues. “The whole idea is that single screens mein taaliyan aur seetiyan baje,” he said, suggesting a big, noisy celebration in smaller halls.
Pathak’s confidence in the mass‑appeal angle is backed by a planned screen count that he describes as “one of the biggest for Ajay Devgn sir.” While exact figures weren’t disclosed, the implication is a nationwide rollout that could rival the reach of the previous films.
Fans of the franchise have already taken to social media, sharing nostalgic clips from Drishyam 2 and speculating on how the conclusion will tie up loose ends. The buzz is further amplified by the release of the teaser song “Muskura Do,” sung by Lucky Ali, which has added a melodic hook to the promotional mix.
Whether the Rs 50 crore forecast materialises will depend on how many movie‑goers flock to the promised “massy” thriller. All eyes will be on the opening weekend, and the numbers will likely set the tone for the franchise’s ultimate legacy.
What’s next? The film lands in theatres on October 2. Box‑office trackers will publish the first‑day figures on Monday, giving a clearer picture of whether Pathak’s restraint pays off.
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