'Drishyam 3' legal trouble: Telugu rights dispute over Mohanlal film escalates; Madras High Court issues notice

Mohanlal and Meena starrer 'Drishyam 3' has reportedly landed in legal trouble ahead of its highly anticipated release.

Directed by Jeethu Joseph, the film is the third installment in one of Malayalam cinema’s most successful thriller franchises. The legal issue concerns the Telugu remake and adaptation rights.

Rajkumar Theatres claims exclusive Telugu rights

According to a Tweet by Ramesh Bala, Rajkumar Theatres Pvt. Ltd., led by Sripriya Sethupathi and Rajkumar Sethupathi, has initiated legal proceedings to protect what it claims are its exclusive and sole rights to remake 'Drishyam 3' in Telugu.

The company has reportedly approached the Madras High Court seeking confirmation of its intellectual property rights. In its petition, the company has requested a permanent injunction to prevent any unauthorized Telugu adaptation or release of the film anywhere in the world.

Petition names makers and production houses

According to Filmibeat reports, the petition seeks to restrain Aashirvad Cinemas represented by M. Antony, Jeethu Joseph, Panorama Studios and Pen Studios. It also includes their agents, employees, licensees and associates.

Rajkumar Theatres alleges that any Telugu remake, production or release without its approval would amount to infringement of its claimed copyright over the adaptation rights.

Madras High Court issues notice

The matter was reportedly heard on May 20, 2026. After hearing the submissions, the Madras High Court issued notices to all respondents and directed them to file their replies within three weeks.

The court’s order means that any deal involving the Telugu adaptation rights will remain subject to the final verdict.

Malayalam release remains unaffected

As reported by Filmibeat Tamil, Rajkumar Theatres stated, "Considering that these legal proceedings are pending, if any person, company, producer, distributor, theatre owner, OTT platform, or any other party enters into any agreement, arrangement, or commercial understanding relating to the Telugu adaptation rights or Telugu release rights of Drishyam 3, it will be entirely at their own risk. All such agreements will remain subject to the final judgment of the Madras High Court."

The dispute is limited to the Telugu remake and release rights. There is no indication that the original Malayalam release of 'Drishyam 3' will be affected.

Disclaimer: The information in this report is based on a legal hearing as reported by a third-party source. The details provided represent allegations made by the parties involved and are not proven facts. The case is ongoing, and a final verdict has not been reached. The publication does not claim that the allegations are true.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”