The film, which stays mostly faithful to the original but has a few inserts, could have been better if it had been tighter.
Second half is where the movie and Ajay Devgn– both take time to get into their groove– come into their own.

… several parts of the film work and, for the most part, Drishyam motors along far more efficiently than most Hindi films — but isn’t that too low a bar?

In all, Drishyam squanders much of its potential, leaving one wondering what the film could have been, had it been executed well. Watch it if you have to, for Ajay and Tabu’s display of duelling willpowers.

With the sluggish first half in which Kamat gives Tabu a dramatic slo-mo entry, the more suspense-driven second half is a vast improvement. Kamat just about holds it together as he takes a will-they, won’t-they approach to the Salgaonkars and engrosses viewers into their fate. Nonetheless, you’ll be better off watching the Malayalam original.

For an engaging battle of wits, watch this film. The second half, thankfully a direct adaptation of the original, also draws you in as audience, making you think of right and wrong, justice & fairness. Also do catch it if you are an Ajay Devgn or Tabu fan. Otherwise, for those who like watching quality films on crime & passion, I would rather leave the decision to you.

Drishyam could’ve been crisper (runtime: 163:33 minutes) and woven in a few more tricks and surprises. But it is only a lazy remake and a lot is lost in translation.

Those who have seen the Malayalam version must steer clear of this movie.Ajay can never match up to Mohanlal’s performance. Otherwise it could be called an average Bollywood thriller.