Venkatesh may have missed a major opportunity by not returning as the lead in Drishyam 3.
He reportedly opted out of the Telugu third installment, with one report suggesting that his increased remuneration may have been a major sticking point. There are also reports that the actor’s focus had shifted more towards comedy and commercial films.
He spent considerable time on AK47, which has been struggling with postponements and concerns over its content.
On the other hand, Mohanlal’s Malayalam Drishyam 3 received mixed reviews but still went on to become a major hit.
The film crossed Rs 200 crore worldwide within seven days and later surpassed Rs 235 crore, becoming one of the biggest grossers in Malayalam cinema.
Meanwhile, the Hindi version starring Ajay Devgn opened on a huge note. Drishyam 3 collected Rs 66.75 crore on its first day in India.
It reached Rs 115.50 crore in two days and Rs 176.50 crore in three days. It also became the biggest opener of Ajay Devgn’s career.
With a fresh story and strong audience response, the Hindi film is breaking records. Had Venkatesh continued with the franchise, it could have added another major blockbuster to his career.
Many in Telugu film circles feel that Suresh Babu, Venkatesh’s brother and a key mentor in his career, may have made the wrong call by allowing him to miss out on Drishyam 3.