Bollywood

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal, known for his impeccable comic timing and versatile performances, recently revealed that he declined an offer to be part of Ajay Devgn’s much-awaited thriller Drishyam 3. The actor, who was reportedly approached for a significant role in the upcoming installment of the hit franchise, said that although the script was well-written, it failed to excite him enough to come on board.

In a recent interview, Paresh Rawal spoke candidly about his decision, sharing that he appreciated the storyline and the effort that went into the film but did not feel the same thrill he usually seeks before signing a project. “They offered me a role in Drishyam 3, and I read the script. It’s good, but maza nahi aaya (it didn’t excite me). I need to feel something new or challenging in every role I do. This one didn’t give me that spark,” he explained.

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The Drishyam franchise, led by Ajay Devgn, has become one of Bollywood’s most successful thriller series, known for its gripping narrative and emotional depth. The first film, released in 2015, was an official remake of the Malayalam hit of the same name starring Mohanlal. Its sequel, Drishyam 2 (2022), continued the story with new twists and was equally lauded for its tight screenplay and performances. The third part, directed by Abhishek Pathak, is expected to conclude the saga, further exploring the aftermath of Vijay Salgaonkar’s actions and the moral dilemmas surrounding his family.

While the film’s cast is still being finalised, reports suggest that Ajay Devgn, Tabu, and Shriya Saran will reprise their roles, with Akshaye Khanna also likely returning. Paresh Rawal’s decision to opt out came as a surprise to fans, many of whom had hoped to see him bring a fresh dimension to the tense psychological world of Drishyam.

Paresh Rawal clarified: ‘Drishyam a great brand’

Paresh Rawal, however, clarified that his decision had nothing to do with the team or the film’s quality. “It’s not about the people or the franchise. Drishyam is a great brand, and Ajay is fantastic. But as an actor, I have to be driven by something deeper than just a good story. It’s about excitement — when I read a script and feel restless to do it, that’s when I say yes,” he said.

The actor, who has delivered iconic performances in films such as Hera Pheri, Oh My God!, Andaz Apna Apna, and Sardar, said that he is currently more selective with his projects, preferring roles that allow him to experiment and surprise his audience. “At this stage of my career, I don’t want to repeat myself. I’ve done the loud, funny, serious, and villainous parts. Now I look for something that challenges me in an unexpected way,” he noted.

Paresh Rawal also commented on the changing landscape of Hindi cinema, praising the rise of realistic storytelling but warning against formula-driven filmmaking. “Audiences are smart now. They can’t be fooled with glamour or big names alone. Every film has to connect emotionally. Sometimes, filmmakers forget that, and that’s when even big projects fail,” he said.

As for Drishyam 3, production is reportedly in advanced stages, and the film is slated for a 2025 release. Director Abhishek Pathak has teased that the final installment will “tie up all loose ends” and offer closure to fans who have followed the series since its inception.

Meanwhile, Paresh Rawal continues to stay busy with a range of projects across film and theatre. He will next be seen in Welcome to the Jungle, the third film in the Welcome comedy series, alongside Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, and Suniel Shetty. The actor also hinted that he is developing a personal project for stage — a dramatic performance that will explore political satire in contemporary India.

“I’ve always believed that art should reflect life,” he said. “And right now, India is full of stories waiting to be told — funny, tragic, and inspiring all at once. My next challenge is to bring those stories alive.”