Production has commenced on "Dharma Yuddhaya 3," the third installment of the Sri Lankan adaptation of the Indian Malayalam-language film "Drishyam." Building on the success of the earlier films released in 2017 and 2026, the new project aims to continue the story of Harischandra, a character known for outsmarting law enforcement in attempts to protect his family.
The muhurath ceremony marking the beginning of filming took place recently at Stein Studio in Ratmalana, under the production of Maharaja Media Network. Direction is led by Aruna Jayawardena, with the screenplay and creative planning adapted by Suneth Malinga Lokuhewa.
The narrative follows Harischandra, an orphan who left school early but established himself in the real estate business in Manudampura. He lives with his wife Rani and their two daughters, Achini and Sachini. The character, portrayed as a devoted family man and avid film enthusiast, becomes embroiled in a suspenseful thriller after a critical incident disrupts their lives. The story focuses on his efforts to eliminate all evidence related to a crime he is involved in, while facing increasing pressure from both adversaries and the authorities attempting to apprehend him.
Several actors from "Dharma Yuddhaya 2" will return for this third chapter, including Bimal Jayakody, Dilhani Ekanayake, Thisuri Yuwanika, Vinumi Vinsadi, Kusum Renu, Douglas Ranasinghe, Kumara Thirimadura, Kalana Gunasekara, and Ashan Dias. The ensemble cast is further strengthened by talents such as Harshika Madhavi, Malcolm Fernando, Chami Senanayake, Roshan Pilapitiya, Umayanana Wickramasinghe, Sriyantha Mendis, Maureen Charuni, and others.
The production team features Yasaraht Kamalsiri as executive producer and Dharma Sri Bandara Ekanayake as line producer. Channa Deshapriya serves as director of photography, while Manjula Yatawattura coordinates production. Editing and color grading are managed by Shan Alwis, with Ranjan Prasanna as assistant director and Mohan Ramanayake overseeing production management. Art direction is by Manjula Ayagama and sound design by Sashika Gimhan Perera. The music direction is helmed by Priyanka Ratnayake, with background scoring by Keshan Perera. Additional key crew members include costume designer Nivarthana Mannage, VFX supervisor Anjana Gajanayake, and still photographer Indika Mallawarachchi.
"Dharma Yuddhaya 3" is anticipated to draw audiences familiar with the franchise’s themes of family loyalty, sacrifice, and suspense, continuing to build on its predecessors' record-breaking success in Sri Lankan cinema.