Chennai, March 20 : If sources in the industry are to be believed, the release of director Jeethu Joseph's eagerly awaited Malayalam film 'Drishyam 3', featuring Malayalam superstar Mohanlal in the lead, is likely to be postponed.

For the unaware, the film is scheduled to hit screens worldwide on April 2 this year.

Sources in the know say that in the wake of the tense situation persisting in the gulf, the makers were likely to consider postponing the release of the film.

However, no official announcement in this regard has been made so far and the film, as of now, is scheduled to hit screens on April 2.

It may be recalled that Mohanlal had completed shooting for his portions for the film in December last year. A video clip of the actor cutting a cake in front of the entire unit to celebrate the completion of his portions had gone viral.

Mohanlal had begun work on this film on the eve of receiving Indian cinemaâ??s highest honour, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, last year.

The film, which is the third instalment in the highly rated franchise, was formally launched with a traditional puja ceremony that was held at a law college near Kochi in September last year.

Director Jeethu Joseph, addressing the media ahead of the launch, had revealed that 'Drishyam 3' would explore the next chapter in the life of Georgekutty, the iconic character played by Mohanlal in the film.

â??The film focuses on what happens in Georgekuttyâ??s life after four-and-a-half years. That is the crux of the story,â?? Joseph had explained.

Producer Antony Perumbavoor, a long-time collaborator of Mohanlal and a key force behind the success of the Drishyam series, had said that the decision to move forward with the third instalment came after extensive discussions.

â??The phenomenal response to the first two parts convinced us that Georgekuttyâ??s journey had more to tell. Only after detailed talks with Jeethu did we finalize this new version,â?? Perumbavoor had stated.

The unit shot at a number of places including Thodupuzha and Vagamon, with the final five-day schedule taking place at Ernakulam.

The Drishyam films have achieved cult status in Indian cinema for their gripping storytelling, intricate suspense, and Mohanlalâ??s acclaimed performance.

The first film, released in 2013, set new benchmarks in Malayalam cinema, while its sequel, released in 2021, drew record-breaking viewership both in theatres and on streaming platforms.

/IANS