Drishyam 3 hits legal hurdle before release, Amazon Prime Video flags rights clash in Mohanlal starrer

The upcoming Malayalam film Drishyam 3, starring Mohanlal and directed by Jeethu Joseph, has run into a legal dispute over its digital rights ahead of release. The issue surfaced soon after the film’s release was pushed from April to May, drawing attention to its OTT distribution plans.

Streaming platform Amazon Prime Video issued a public notice on social media with the caption “Caution.” The statement underlined its claim over the film’s digital rights and warned against any parallel deals. This comes at a time when interest around the third instalment remains high.

The notice reads: “Notice is hereby given that Amazon Seller Services Private Limited (Amazon), pursuant to the valid exercise of its rights under subsisting agreements between Aashirvad Cinemas and Amazon, is the sole and exclusive holder of all digital rights (including but not limited to SVOD, TVOD, AVOD, FVOD and EST) in the film "Drishyam 3" (Malayalam) (The Film).”

It further adds: “The public is hereby cautioned that Amazon holds these rights to the exclusion of all others, and Aashirvad Cinemas has no authority to sell, license, or in any manner create any third party interest over the digital rights for the Film.” The platform also stated that any entity engaging with such rights would do so at their own risk and consequences.

The note concludes with a clear warning: “Amazon reserves the right to initiate appropriate legal proceedings, including seeking injunctive relief and damages, against any party found to be infringing upon its exclusive rights or interfering with its contractual relationship regarding the Film.”

Producer Antony Perumbavoor has not responded publicly so far. However, industry chatter suggests that the makers may have explored alternative digital deals, prompting the platform’s intervention. The first film in the franchise released in theatres in 2013, while its sequel premiered directly on streaming during the pandemic.

Drishyam 3 is now scheduled for release on May 21, aligning with Mohanlal’s birthday. The cast includes Meena, Ansiba Hassan and Esther Anil, who return to reprise their roles.