The controversy around Don 3 has been one of the most talked-about topics in Bollywood recently, based on the fallout between Ranveer Singh and the film’s makers, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment. While the situation eventually reached the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), leading to a non-cooperation directive, which has since been revoked, new details have emerged about efforts to resolve the conflict behind the scenes.

Ashoke Pandit, the chief advisor of FWICE, recently revealed that several prominent industry figures attempted to mediate the dispute before it escalated to the federation. Notably, among those who tried to intervene was Aamir Khan.

Speaking to Hindi Rush, Ashoke Pandit shared, “Many people from the industry, including Aamir Khan, had been trying to resolve the issue before it came to us. That also didn’t work. Today it’s Ranveer Singh. Tomorrow it could be someone else. This is what Excel is going through. If it was someone else, they would have gone to hell. They would have sold their house. You may have ten valid reasons for not doing a film. But if money has been spent because you committed to the project, then those losses should be reimbursed.”

The dispute begun from Ranveer’s sudden exit from the project shortly before filming was set to start. Reports say that the filmmakers had already invested approximately ₹45 crore in pre-production. Farhan’s Excel Entertainment sought compensation for these financial losses, arguing that the Ranveer’s exit caused significant disruption.

Pandit talked about the need for accountability in the industry, stating that it does not matter how big a star someone is, as no one should be allowed to back out of a committed project at the last minute without consequences. He also mentioned that while there were rumours suggesting Salman Khan had intervened due to his close ties with the Akhtar family, those claims were dismissed entirely, clarifying that Salman had no involvement in the matter.

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Actor Jiiva is gearing up for his next cinematic outing. The actor has signed a new project with filmmaker Ra Venkat, who earned widespread acclaim for his 2023 drama Kida. While the makers are yet to unveil the title or plot details, the announcement marks Jiiva’s return to active shooting schedules after a short break from work.

The film will be produced by Lark Studios, a banner that has steadily built a reputation for backing commercially successful and content-driven films. The production house recently tasted success with Soori’s Garudan and the family entertainer Maaman, both of which performed strongly at the box office.

The yet-to-be-titled project is expected to go on floors next month, with principal photography planned in and around Madurai. The makers are keeping further details under wraps for now, including information regarding the supporting cast and storyline.

Joining the project is cinematographer M Sukumar, one of the most sought-after names in South Indian cinema. Known for his work across Tamil and Telugu films, Sukumar recently handled cinematography for Thalaivan Thalaivii and Kumki 2. Interestingly, he is also working on another upcoming Jiiva film, Jolliya Iruntha Oruthan, giving the actor and technician back-to-back collaborations.

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Jiiva returns to work after a difficult phase

The new film arrives at an emotional juncture in Jiiva’s personal and professional journey. Earlier this year, the actor faced a heartbreaking loss with the passing of his father, veteran producer RB Choudhary, in an accident. Choudhary was one of the most influential producers in South Indian cinema through his production house Super Good Films and played a significant role in shaping the careers of several leading stars and filmmakers.

Following a brief period away from professional commitments, Jiiva has now resumed work, beginning a fresh chapter with the Ra Venkat directorial.

The filmmaker himself is coming off the success of Kida, a deeply moving rural drama that resonated with critics and audiences alike. The film starred Kaali Venkat and the late Poo Ramu in pivotal roles. Set against a simple yet emotionally rich backdrop, the story followed a loving grandfather determined to fulfil his grandson’s Diwali wish for new clothes. Faced with financial hardship, he contemplates selling a goat that had been set aside as a sacred offering. The film was praised for its grounded storytelling, strong performances and emotional authenticity.

For Jiiva, the new project adds to an increasingly busy slate. The actor was last seen in Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil, directed by Nithish Sahadev of Falimy fame. Released during the Pongal season earlier this year, the film enjoyed a favourable run at the box office and further strengthened Jiiva’s standing among family audiences.

Meanwhile, Jolliya Iruntha Oruthan has already wrapped principal photography and is currently in post-production. The film reunites Jiiva with director M Rajesh, the filmmaker behind the actor’s popular 2009 romantic comedy Siva Manasula Sakthi. The reunion has generated considerable excitement among fans eager to see the duo collaborate again after more than a decade.

With one film nearing completion and another ready to commence production, Jiiva appears set for a busy phase ahead. The collaboration with Ra Venkat, a director known for balancing emotional depth with rooted storytelling, could prove to be one of the more intriguing projects on the actor’s upcoming slate.

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After dominating the box office and becoming one of the biggest Malayalam blockbusters of the year, Mohanlal’s Drishyam 3 is now preparing for its digital debut. Directed by Jeethu Joseph, the film will begin streaming on Prime Video from June 18, giving audiences another opportunity to revisit the latest chapter in one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated thriller franchises.

The Drishyam series began in 2013 with the release of the original film, which introduced viewers to Georgekutty, an ordinary cable television operator whose intelligence and resourcefulness helped him protect his family from a life-altering crisis. The film went on to become a landmark success, inspiring remakes across several Indian languages and earning a devoted fan following.

Its sequel, Drishyam 2, arrived in 2021 and premiered directly on Prime Video during the pandemic. The film expanded Georgekutty’s story while maintaining the suspense and emotional stakes that had defined the original. Five years later, Drishyam 3 picks up the narrative once again, bringing the saga to what many have described as its most dramatic and emotionally charged chapter yet.

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A New Threat Forces Georgekutty Into Action

In Drishyam 3, Georgekutty appears to have successfully rebuilt his life. Having transformed elements of his troubled past into a successful film project, he enjoys professional success as a producer while continuing to prioritise his family. For a brief period, it seems as though the events that once threatened to destroy everything he loved have finally been left behind. That sense of stability, however, proves short-lived. The film sees Varun’s grieving parents return with renewed determination to seek justice. Their pursuit of revenge leads them to join forces with the suspended police officer Sahadevan, who has his own reasons for targeting Georgekutty and his family. Together, they orchestrate a plan to implicate Georgekutty’s daughter Anju in a fabricated criminal case.

As the pressure mounts and legal threats close in, Georgekutty finds himself confronting challenges unlike any he has faced before. Forced into a corner, he must make a decision that could alter the course of his family’s future forever. The film builds on the franchise’s trademark blend of suspense, emotional drama and strategic cat-and-mouse storytelling, delivering a conclusion designed to test Georgekutty’s limits.

The film’s release generated immense anticipation, fuelled by the enduring popularity of the previous two instalments. Audiences turned out in large numbers, helping the film register a sensational theatrical run. Within just ten days of release, Drishyam 3 crossed the Rs 200 crore mark worldwide, making it the highest-grossing entry in the franchise’s history.

The success also marked another major milestone for Mohanlal, whose recent releases have continued to dominate the box office. Earlier this year, both Thudarum and L2: Empuraan achieved significant commercial success, further strengthening the actor’s remarkable run in theatres.

Critics praised Drishyam 3 for its engaging screenplay, strong performances and the manner in which it brought closure to long-running story threads. Mohanlal’s portrayal of Georgekutty once again emerged as one of the film’s biggest strengths, with viewers appreciating the character’s evolution across three films spanning more than a decade.
With its streaming debut now around the corner, Drishyam 3 is expected to attract a fresh wave of viewers, including fans eager to revisit the story and audiences who may have missed its theatrical run. As one of Malayalam cinema’s most successful franchises reaches a pivotal moment, Georgekutty’s journey is set to find a new audience on digital screens from June 18.

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