New Movie Reviews This Week: ‘Drishyam 3’ Leads a Crowded October Weekend as ‘Digger’ Divides Critics
The first weekend of October 2026 has brought a busy mix of Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam and Hollywood releases, with several films arriving in cinemas around October 2. Among the biggest talking points is Ajay Devgn-led Drishyam 3: The Conclusion, alongside Tom Cruise’s Digger, Mrunal Thakur’s Pooja Meri Jaan, Prem Keetanu, Sigma, Baththa and several regional releases.
Drishyam 3: The Conclusion has emerged as one of the strongest-reviewed mainstream releases of the week. Critics have particularly highlighted the performances of Ajay Devgn and Tabu, while Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj have also attracted attention. The film has been praised for providing a fitting conclusion to the popular franchise.
The film has also opened strongly at the box office. Early reports indicate that Drishyam 3 recorded around ₹95 crore globally on its first day, narrowly missing the ₹100-crore opening benchmark but still registering a substantial commercial debut.
Tom Cruise’s Digger, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, is generating a very different kind of conversation. The film has divided critics, with some praising its unusual combination of political satire, climate commentary and Hollywood self-reflection.
The response suggests that Digger is unlikely to be a conventional Tom Cruise crowd-pleaser. Instead of depending primarily on the action spectacle associated with his recent films, the movie takes a more unconventional and satirical route.
Mrunal Thakur’s Pooja Meri Jaan has also attracted attention for addressing male entitlement and toxic relationships. Critics have praised the film’s subject and performances but have questioned aspects of its execution.
Prem Keetanu, the Hindi remake of the Malayalam hit Premalu, has received a considerably weaker response. Critics have questioned whether the remake successfully captures the chemistry, humour and cultural texture that helped the original become popular.
Tamil cinema has offered one of the more positively received releases of the week with Vijay Sethupathi’s Baththa. Reviews have highlighted the actor’s performance and the film’s combination of humour, emotion and gangster-drama elements.
At the same time, not every major regional release has connected with critics. Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai, starring Nivin Pauly and Soori, has faced criticism for its screenplay and use of visual effects. The film’s ambitious fantasy concept appears to have been weakened by its execution.
Another notable release is Sigma, Jason Sanjay’s directorial debut. Reviews have acknowledged the film’s scale, energy and visual ambition while arguing that its screenplay does not always match those strengths.
Hollywood’s other major release, Verity, starring Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson, has also struggled critically. Reviews have largely criticised its direction and adaptation, with questions being raised about the film’s handling of its thriller material.
This week’s releases present a clear divide between ambition and execution. Drishyam 3 appears to have achieved the strongest combination of audience interest, franchise power and positive reviews, while Baththa has stood out as a regional film receiving appreciation for its emotional qualities.
Digger, meanwhile, has emerged as the week’s most polarising international release. Its unusual tone and satirical approach may appeal strongly to some viewers while leaving others disappointed.
For viewers choosing what to watch this weekend, Drishyam 3 remains the major mainstream choice for mystery and thriller audiences. Baththa offers a more emotional regional experience, while Digger is the more unconventional option for audiences looking beyond a traditional Hollywood blockbuster.
