New Delhi: Actor Rajat Kapoor has offered a characteristically witty and self-aware take on his role in the upcoming Drishyam 3, responding to discussions around the limited arc of his character in the popular thriller franchise. As anticipation builds around the third instalment of the Drishyam series, Kapoor’s candid remarks have added a light-hearted note to conversations surrounding casting, character depth and storytelling choices in mainstream Hindi cinema.
In Drishyam, Rajat Kapoor plays Mahesh Deshmukh, the civilian husband of Meera Deshmukh, the determined and formidable police officer portrayed by Tabu. While Tabu’s character drives much of the investigative tension in the franchise, Kapoor’s role has often been viewed as understated. Addressing this perception head-on, the actor chose humour over defensiveness.
“There’s no arc, I’m still standing behind Tabu”
Speaking recently to SCREEN, Rajat Kapoor was asked whether his character would be given more depth or a stronger narrative arc in Drishyam 3. The actor responded with disarming honesty and humour.
“There’s nothing to crack. I was standing behind Tabu; that’s it. There’s no arc. I’m still standing behind Tabu,” Kapoor said, drawing laughter and appreciation for his straightforward assessment.
His comment was widely shared online, resonating with audiences who appreciated his ability to acknowledge the nature of his role without complaint. Kapoor’s remark also subtly highlighted how certain characters in ensemble-driven thrillers are designed to support the central conflict rather than evolve independently.
A familiar face as authority figures
Rajat Kapoor has, over the years, frequently been cast as government officials, investigators and authority figures in Hindi cinema. Beyond Drishyam, he has portrayed a senior Income Tax officer in Ajay Devgn’s Raid 2 and a police officer in Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders.
Reflecting on this pattern, Kapoor admitted that while such roles are important to the narrative, they often leave limited scope for performance-driven exploration.
“Oh man, income tax, CBI — that’s where I’m stuck,” he said with a laugh. “It’s not just a cop role. You’re playing a character in the script, so you’re just reacting to the situation. But the problem with playing a generic cop of this kind — and not like Nawaz’s, because he’s got a role — is that you’ve got nothing to do.”
His observation sheds light on a broader issue in commercial cinema, where secondary characters are sometimes written more as functional pieces than fully fleshed-out individuals. Kapoor, known for his work in independent and parallel cinema, has often spoken about the importance of layered writing in bringing characters alive.
The enduring appeal of the Drishyam franchise
Despite the limited arc of some supporting characters, the Drishyam franchise has enjoyed massive popularity across India. The Hindi version is an adaptation of the Malayalam blockbuster starring Mohanlal, and it has successfully recreated the suspense and emotional stakes for a wider audience.
Directed initially by the late Nishikant Kamat, the franchise turned Ajay Devgn’s Vijay Salgaonkar into one of Hindi cinema’s most memorable characters — a seemingly ordinary man whose intelligence, presence of mind and emotional resolve help him protect his family against overwhelming odds.
Drishyam 2, released in 2022, further cemented the franchise’s reputation, with Tabu and Akshaye Khanna earning particular praise for their performances. The announcement of Drishyam 3 has therefore generated considerable excitement among fans, even amid reports that Akshaye Khanna has opted out of the third instalment following the success of Dhurandhar.
What to expect from Drishyam 3
Filming for Drishyam 3 is currently underway at multiple locations, with the makers promising heightened suspense and fresh twists in the story. The core cast — including Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran and Rajat Kapoor — is set to return, ensuring continuity in performances that audiences have grown attached to.
The film is directed by Abhishek Pathak and written by Abhishek Pathak, Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. It is presented by Star Studios and produced by Panorama Studios, with producers Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak backing the project.
While details of the plot remain under wraps, the makers have hinted that Drishyam 3 will raise the stakes for the Salgaonkar family, exploring the consequences of past actions while introducing new moral and legal challenges.
Rajat Kapoor’s candid charm wins fans
Rajat Kapoor’s comments, though brief, have struck a chord with audiences who admire his grounded approach to acting. Rather than overselling his role or expressing dissatisfaction, Kapoor embraced the reality of his character’s place in the narrative with humour and honesty.
In an industry often driven by image and perception, such candour stands out. Kapoor’s willingness to laugh at himself — and at the limitations of certain roles — has only reinforced his reputation as a thoughtful and self-assured performer.
Conclusion
As Drishyam 3 moves closer to release, Rajat Kapoor’s witty remarks serve as a reminder that not every performance is about screen dominance or dramatic arcs. Sometimes, supporting a powerful narrative — or quite literally “standing behind Tabu” — is part of the craft. With audiences eager to see how the next chapter unfolds, Kapoor’s humour has added another layer of intrigue and warmth to the buzz surrounding the film.