Drishyam, released in 2015, remains one of the most gripping and intelligently crafted crime thrillers in Indian cinema. Directed by Nishikant Kamat and starring Ajay Devgn, Tabu, and Shriya Saran, the film is a Hindi-language remake of the 2013 Malayalam original by Jeethu Joseph. With its layered storytelling, moral dilemmas, and unexpected twists, Drishyam has earned cult status and continues to influence the genre even in 2025.
🧩 Plot Overview: A Family Man’s Fight for Survival
Set in a quiet Goan village, the story follows Vijay Salgaonkar (Ajay Devgn), a fourth-grade dropout who runs a cable TV business. He lives a modest life with his wife Nandini (Shriya Saran) and two daughters. Their peaceful existence is shattered when an accidental crime involving his elder daughter leads to a tense cat-and-mouse game with the police.
Vijay, an avid movie buff, uses his knowledge of films to construct an elaborate cover-up, challenging the system and testing the limits of morality. The antagonist, IG Meera Deshmukh (Tabu), is a powerful and emotionally driven police officer whose son is at the center of the mystery.
🎬 Performances and Direction
- Ajay Devgn delivers a restrained yet powerful performance as a protective father willing to go to any lengths for his family.
- Tabu is compelling as a mother torn between duty and grief, adding emotional depth to the narrative.
- Nishikant Kamat’s direction balances suspense with sentiment, keeping viewers hooked without resorting to melodrama.
The film’s cinematography by Avinash Arun and music by Vishal Bhardwaj (songs) and Sameer Phaterpekar (score) enhance its atmospheric tension.
💰 Box Office and Legacy
- Budget: ₹62 crore
- Box Office Collection: Estimated ₹197 crore
Drishyam was both a critical and commercial success, praised for its screenplay, performances, and moral complexity. It spawned a sequel, Drishyam 2 (2022), which continued the story and was equally well-received.
🧠 Themes and Cultural Impact
The film explores:
- Justice vs. morality: Can breaking the law be justified to protect loved ones?
- Power dynamics: A common man vs. the system
- Family and sacrifice: How far will a parent go?
Its success paved the way for more nuanced thrillers in Indian cinema, proving that audiences crave intelligent storytelling.
