18 June,2026 02:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mohanlal (picture via Instagram)
The OTT release of Drishyam 3 Telugu has hit a legal roadblock after the Madras High Court issued an interim order halting its OTT premiere. The decision came following a petition filed by filmmaker Sripriya, who directed the Telugu remake of the original Drishyam and claims to hold rights related to the franchise.
The legal dispute has emerged at a time when anticipation for the next chapter of the popular crime-thriller series is running high. The Drishyam franchise, which originated in Malayalam cinema with Mohanlal in the lead role, has been remade in multiple languages and enjoys a massive fan following across India.
According to reports, Sripriya approached the court asserting that she possesses certain adaptation and sequel rights connected to the Telugu version of the film. She argued that the planned digital release could infringe upon those rights and sought legal intervention before the project reached streaming platforms.
After hearing the matter, the Madras High Court reportedly granted interim relief and directed that the OTT release be put on hold until the dispute is examined further. The order has temporarily stalled the film's digital rollout and introduced uncertainty regarding its release timeline.
The disagreement revolves around ownership and exploitation rights linked to the Telugu adaptation of Drishyam. While the original Malayalam franchise was created by filmmaker Jeethu Joseph, various versions of the film have been produced in different languages under separate agreements. The latest conflict highlights the complexities that can arise when remake, adaptation and sequel rights overlap across industries.
Neither the producers associated with the upcoming release nor representatives of the Malayalam franchise have publicly commented in detail on the court proceedings. However, the legal battle is expected to continue as both sides present their claims before the court.
The Drishyam series has remained one of Indian cinema's most successful thriller franchises. The story follows Georgekutty, an ordinary man who uses his intelligence and meticulous planning to protect his family after a crime turns their lives upside down. The suspense-driven narrative has captivated audiences for years and inspired remakes in several Indian languages.
With legal proceedings now underway, fans eager to watch the Telugu version of Drishyam 3 on OTT may have to wait longer than expected. The final outcome will depend on the court's assessment of the competing rights claims and any agreements governing the Telugu adaptation.
For now, the High Court's interim order remains in effect, pausing the digital release until further hearings determine the future of the project and the rights dispute surrounding the franchise.
