Drishyam movie (2015) Movie Review: A Masterclass

🎬 Drishyam (2015) Movie Review: A Masterclass in Suspense & Emotion

🧩 1. Story and Plot Summary of Drishyam movie

🔍 Non-Spoiler Summary

Drishyam begins in a quiet village in Goa. The story revolves around Vijay Salgaonkar, a middle-class man who runs a cable TV business. He is calm, polite, and hardworking. Though he studied only till the fourth grade, his real education comes from watching movies. He loves cinema and often learns life’s lessons through them.

Vijay lives happily with his wife Nandini and two daughters — Anju, a teenager, and Anu, a school-going child. They are a close-knit, peaceful family. They enjoy meals together, go on small trips, and live a simple life.

But one day, their life changes overnight.

A shocking incident puts the Salgaonkar family in danger. They are faced with a powerful enemy: the police system itself, headed by IG Meera Deshmukh. Vijay must use his intelligence and courage to protect his family. Every step he takes is smart and well planned. But can he really fool the system? That’s what makes Drishyam such a thrilling ride.

The film is full of suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists. As a viewer, you feel the tension throughout. You wonder what will happen next and whether justice will be served.

Even without action sequences or big drama, the movie keeps you hooked. It shows how an ordinary man can rise in extraordinary situations.

🚨 Spoiler Summary of Drishyam movie

⚠️ Spoiler Alert: The following contains key plot details.

The central turning point in Drishyam happens when Anju, the elder daughter, is secretly filmed in a bathroom by a boy named Sameer “Sam” Deshmukh. He blackmails her for physical favors using that video clip.

One evening, while confronting Sam, things get out of control. Nandini and Anju accidentally kill him during the struggle. The mother and daughter are horrified. They confess everything to Vijay, who is deeply shaken — but knows he must act fast to save them.

Vijay does not go to the police. Instead, he begins crafting a brilliant cover-up plan, inspired by crime thrillers he has watched over the years. Who buries the boy’s body and constructs a fake timeline of events for the entire family.

Vijay takes his family

on a two-day trip — they visit a restaurant, watch a movie, and attend a prayer meet — all to create an alibi. And collects bills, bus tickets, and even makes people remember seeing them at these locations. Every detail is planned like a screenplay.

Meanwhile, IG Meera Deshmukh — the boy’s mother — leads the investigation. She uses her full power and influence to find her son. The police begin harassing Vijay’s family. They are beaten, emotionally tortured, and pushed to confess.

But they don’t break. Everyone sticks to Vijay’s script. Even under pressure, their story remains the same.

Eventually, Meera realizes that Vijay is hiding something — but she cannot find any physical proof. The twist? Vijay has hidden the body beneath the foundation of the new police station under construction.

In the end, he returns to Meera and Mahesh Deshmukh and confesses — not to the police, but to the grieving parents — that he has buried the boy. He refuses to say more.

The last shot shows a flashback of Vijay walking out of the police station — the very place where the body lies — making you question if justice is black and white or something in between.

👥 2. Cast and Characters of Drishyam movie

🎭 Lead Characters

Ajay Devgn as Vijay Salgaonkar
Vijay is the heart of the story. A simple, middle-class man with no formal education, he becomes a genius when his family is in danger. Ajay Devgn plays him with quiet intensity. His character is a symbol of how love and fear can make an ordinary man do extraordinary things.

Vijay is not violent. He doesn’t raise his voice. But his calm, calculating mind is sharper than any weapon. His deep love for his family is shown through small gestures — not long speeches.

Tabu as IG Meera Deshmukh
Meera is a top police officer and also a grieving mother. Her son has disappeared, and she will go to any extent to find him. Tabu brings both strength and sorrow to her role. As a cop, she is tough. As a mother, she is broken inside. This duality makes her character very complex and powerful.

Meera’s scenes with Vijay are tense. You can see her losing her calm as the case slips from her hands.

Shriya Saran as Nandini Salgaonkar
Nandini is a loving mother and supportive wife. She trusts Vijay completely. After the incident, she becomes scared and vulnerable. Shriya’s performance shows the pain of a mother protecting her daughter and living in constant fear.

Ishita Dutta as Anju Salgaonkar
Anju is the older daughter and central to the incident. She suffers not only physically but mentally. Her trauma is shown through silence, fear, and guilt. Ishita acts with great maturity, especially in the scenes where the police harass her.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Supporting Characters of Drishyam movie

Rishab Chadha as Sam Deshmukh: The boy who blackmails Anju. He is arrogant, spoiled, and careless. His actions trigger the entire story.

Rajat Kapoor as Mahesh Deshmukh: Meera’s husband. A calm man trying to balance justice with grief.

Kamlesh Sawant as Inspector Gaitonde: A corrupt cop who uses brutal methods. His torture scenes are disturbing and real.

Prathamesh Parab as Jose: A light-hearted character who works for Vijay. Adds a small comic touch.

Each character, big or small, plays an important role. The casting is flawless, and the actors fit perfectly into their roles.

🎵 3. Music and Soundtrack of Drishyam movie

🎼 Music Team

Composer: Vishal Bhardwaj
Lyricist: Gulzar
Background Score: Sameer Phaterpekar

Though Drishyam is a thriller, music is used wisely. It never breaks the suspense. Instead, it blends into the story and adds depth to the emotional moments.

🎶 Song List

1. “Carbon Copy” – Sung by Arijit Singh
   A light and fresh song that plays during the family scenes. It gives a feeling of joy before the storm hits. The lyrics are poetic yet simple.
2. “Dum Ghutta Hai” – Sung by Rekha Bhardwaj
   A haunting track. It creates a suffocating feeling — matching the fear and pressure the family goes through.
3. “Kya Pata” – Sung by Arijit Singh
   A soft, emotional ballad. It explores the confusion and heartbreak after the tragedy. The lyrics are thoughtful, asking what the future holds.

🎧 Background Score of Drishyam movie

The background music in Drishyam is brilliant. It never tries to scare you loudly. Instead, it builds slow tension. The score during interrogation scenes and flashbacks is especially effective.

Sameer Phaterpekar’s music uses silence smartly — letting emotions speak louder than sound.

🗣️ Music Reception

Critics and audiences liked the fact that the songs didn’t interrupt the story. Many praised the “Dum Ghutta Hai” track for its mood-setting. Arijit Singh’s voice gave the songs depth and texture.

Even though it’s not a musical film, Drishyam’s soundtrack received appreciation for its simplicity and suitability.

🎭 4. Performances and Acting Reviews in Drishyam movie

🔥 Ajay Devgn as Vijay

Ajay delivers one of his most understated yet powerful performances. He doesn’t shout or cry loudly. Instead, he uses silence and expression. His eyes show fear, love, and cleverness all at once.

From pretending to be normal after burying a body, to facing police pressure without cracking — Ajay makes you root for him. Critics called it a “career-defining role”.

🌪️ Tabu as Meera

Tabu adds multiple layers to her role. She is a strong cop, but also a hurting mother. Her body language changes with every scene — confident in uniform, broken in private.

Her final scene with Ajay — where she silently realizes the truth — is a masterclass in acting. You can feel her pain without a single word.

👩‍👧 Shriya Saran and Ishita Dutta

Shriya gives a soft and natural performance. She shows the panic of a mother and guilt of hiding a crime. Her chemistry with Ajay feels real.

Ishita, as the teenage daughter, displays trauma and guilt very naturally. Her fear during the police torture scenes is heartbreaking.

👮‍♂️ Kamlesh Sawant as Inspector Gaitonde

One of the most hated characters in the movie — and that’s a compliment. His brutality feels real. He brings intensity to every scene he’s in. Audiences felt disgusted, which means he acted perfectly.

🎯 Overall Review of Drishyam movie

The entire cast does justice to their roles. Every actor, from the lead to the supporting ones, adds realism. You don’t see actors — you see real people in a real situation.

✍️ 5. Dialogues and Writing Style of Drishyam movie

🖋️ Writing Approach

The screenplay of Drishyam is inspired by the Malayalam original but adapted well into the Goan setting. The writing balances suspense, family emotion, and logic.

Each scene has purpose. There is no wasted dialogue or unnecessary drama. The story is tight and efficient.

The script is filled with visual clues and small setups that pay off later. For example, the receipt from the restaurant, or the church meeting — they seem small at first but play a huge role later.

🗨️ Iconic Dialogues

• “Kanoon ke haath lambe hote hain… par Vijay Salgaonkar ka dimaag usse bhi tez hai.”
  A perfect line that defines the whole film.
• “Ek aam aadmi apne parivaar ke liye kuch bhi kar sakta hai.”
  This emotional dialogue captures the heart of the movie.
• “Sach wohi hota hai jo dikhaya jaata hai.”
  A philosophical line that shows how perception can shape reality.

🧠 Writing Style

• Simple but effective language.
• Focuses on emotions over action.
• Intelligent use of silence.
• Logical flow of scenes.
• Character-driven narration.

Jeethu Joseph (original writer) and the Hindi screenplay team created a tension-filled but grounded story. The way each event connects to the next shows excellent structure.

The story doesn’t shout. It whispers. And yet it shakes you to the core.

🧃 6. Release and Promotion Strategy of Drishyam movie

🗓️ Release Details

• Theatrical Release Date: July 31, 2015
• Language: Hindi
• Runtime: Approx. 163 minutes
• Production Houses: Panorama Studios, Viacom18 Motion Pictures
• Director: Nishikant Kamat
• Screenplay Adaptation: Upendra Sidhaye
• Certification: U/A (Suitable for all age groups with parental guidance)

The release of Drishyam was timed smartly. It came during a less crowded weekend. The buzz wasn’t extremely high before release, but it grew due to strong word-of-mouth.

This movie had no big pre-release hype, and that worked in its favor. Since it was a thriller, the team didn’t reveal major plot details in the trailer.

📢 Marketing & Promotions

The promotions of Drishyam were subtle and story-driven:

• Minimal revealing in the trailers: The official trailer introduced Vijay and his family but cleverly avoided showing the twist.
• City tours by Ajay Devgn & Tabu: The cast visited cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad to connect with audiences.
• TV show appearances: The actors appeared on popular shows like Comedy Nights with Kapil, CID, and India’s Got Talent.
• Social media strategy: The team used suspenseful posters and behind-the-scenes clips to spark curiosity without giving spoilers.

The marketing strategy was designed to build intrigue rather than give away content. This approach suited the genre perfectly.

🛒 Unique Promotional Ideas

• “Cover-up Challenge” on Twitter: Fans were asked to describe how they would cover up a crime like Vijay did (in a fun, ethical manner).
• Hashtag Campaigns: #DrishyamTruth #WhatDidVijayDo trended close to the release date.
• Press Conference with Police Decor: In one Mumbai event, the venue was designed like a police station, creating a tense, immersive vibe.

Overall, the film used clever minimalism in its marketing — just like Vijay used in the movie.

💰 7. Box Office and OTT Streaming Performance of Drishyam movie

🧾 Budget Breakdown

• Production Budget: ₹28 crores
• Print & Advertising (P&A): ₹10 crores
• Total Cost: ₹38 crores (approx.)

Despite being a non-masala thriller, Drishyam turned out to be a major success at the box office. Its performance grew due to strong content and recommendations.

🎟️ Box Office Collection

It had a slow start due to lack of star-studded masala appeal, but collections grew massively after positive reviews and public praise.

📺 OTT and Satellite Performance

• First TV Premiere: Zee Cinema
• OTT Platforms: Initially on Hotstar; later available on Netflix and Prime Video
• Satellite Rights Sold For: ₹7-9 crores

The film had a high repeat viewing value. Many people watched it multiple times, especially after Drishyam 2 came out. Online discussions and YouTube breakdowns of plot clues boosted its OTT popularity.

📈 Long-Term Impact of Drishyam movie

Drishyam is still considered a benchmark for smart thrillers. Its consistent performance on digital platforms, even years later, proves its long-lasting appeal.

It became a case study in how content-driven films can beat big-budget entertainers with storytelling alone.

🌟 8. Critical and Public Reception of Drishyam movie

📝 Critics’ Reviews

Critics across India gave Drishyam positive reviews. It was praised for:

• Tight screenplay
• Natural performances
• Emotional storytelling
• Unique climax

Many critics compared it favorably with the Malayalam original. They appreciated the adaptation’s respect for the original while adding a Hindi film touch.

Notable Critics’ Ratings:

• Rajeev Masand: 3.5/5 – “Smart and suspenseful, led by a brilliant Ajay Devgn.”
• Anupama Chopra: 4/5 – “A rare thriller that combines emotion with intelligence.”
• Times of India: 4/5 – “A game of wits, executed perfectly.”

🎤 Public Response

Audiences loved the relatable middle-class family, smart planning, and emotional core. It was not just about hiding a crime — it was about a father’s unconditional love.

People who saw the original Malayalam film still found this version gripping. Those watching it for the first time were shocked by the twist and deeply moved by the ending.

Many shared how they couldn’t stop thinking about it for days. It sparked conversations like:

• “Was Vijay right?”
• “Is justice black and white?”
• “Would I do the same for my family?”

🎯 Highlights from Viewer Comments

• “Better than most thrillers in Bollywood.”
• “Tabu was fire. Ajay was ice. What a combo!”
• “The twist left me speechless. Brilliant writing.”

🌍 9. Cultural Impact and Public Response Drishyam movie

🧠 Cultural Discussions

Drishyam led to many deep cultural conversations, such as:

• Law vs. Morality: Was Vijay wrong to hide the crime or right to protect his daughter?
• Media trials: The movie reflects how the police sometimes act under pressure.
• Power of a common man: It made audiences think about how brains can beat the system.

Many law and psychology students also used it in classroom discussions.

💬 Online Buzz

Social media exploded with memes, theories, and plot breakdowns. YouTube channels created videos titled:

• “How Vijay fooled the police”
• “Hidden details you missed in Drishyam”
• “The Real Message of Drishyam”

The dialogue “2 October ko hum Panjim mein the” became iconic and widely shared as a meme template.

🎞️ Pop Culture Influence

• Inspired crime-themed web series.
• Made families appreciate father-daughter bonding more.
• Boosted interest in regional cinema remakes.
• Became part of college debates and film analysis contests.

Even years later, lines and scenes from Drishyam continue to be referenced in pop culture, stand-up comedy, and classroom lectures.

🎬 10. Comparisons with Similar Movies of Drishyam movie

📽️ With the Malayalam Drishyam (2013)

• Mohanlal vs Ajay Devgn: Both delivered superb performances in their own style.
• The original had more rawness and simplicity.
• The Hindi version added polish and scale without losing the soul.

Both versions are praised for their writing and acting. Fans often debate which version is better — but most agree both are classics.

🆚 Other Hindi Thrillers

While all these movies are brilliant, Drishyam stands out for blending heart with thrill.

🎯 Why Drishyam Is Unique

• No fancy sets or glamour.
• No item songs or fights.
• Just a solid story told smartly.

That’s rare in mainstream Bollywood.

🏆 11. Awards and Recognition

🥇 Major Awards (Nominations & Wins)

The film may not have swept every award, but it was deeply respected. It became a favorite among film critics and cinephiles.

🏅 Legacy Awards

• Included in “Top 10 Hindi Thrillers of the Decade” lists
• Studied in film writing workshops
• Nishikant Kamat received posthumous praise for this film as one of his finest works

✅ 12. Conclusion and Final Thoughts of Drishyam movie

Drishyam is not just a movie — it’s an experience. It is cinema that makes you think, feel, and stay on edge till the very end.

It tells us that:

• Intelligence can be more powerful than strength.
• Love can push a man to cross limits.
• Justice is not always black or white.

With a gripping story, superb performances, and intelligent writing, Drishyam became a modern classic. It earned both critical acclaim and mass love — a rare combination.

Years later, people still talk about Vijay Salgaonkar and his unmatched plan.

If you haven’t seen it — watch it now.
If you’ve seen it — watch it again.
And if you love great cinema — Drishyam deserves to be in your top list.

🎥 Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Genre: Crime Thriller | Director: Nishikant Kamat | Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran

Verdict: A must-watch masterpiece that redefines suspense in Indian cinema.

📌 Did you enjoy this review? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🎬💬

visit now our other review ⚠️🚨⚠️ Drishyam 2 Movie : Complete Review, Analysis, and Everything