Are you ready for a thrilling yet hilarious ride through the fictional village of Plaachikkaavu? Detective Ujjwalan, the latest Malayalam mystery comedy thriller, has made its much-awaited OTT debut on Netflix today, July 11, 2025. Directed by debutants Indraneel Gopeekrishnan and Rahul G, this film is the second installment in the Weekend Cinematic Universe (WCU), tied to the beloved Minnal Murali. If you’re searching for a fun weekend watch with suspense, humor, and a retro vibe, our SEO-optimized review for MasalaMirror.com has all the details you need!

Detective Ujjwalan OTT Release: Where to Watch and Key Details

• Streaming Platform: Netflix
• Release Date: July 11, 2025
• Language: Malayalam
• Runtime: 124 minutes
• Cast: Dhyan Sreenivasan, Siju Wilson, Kottayam Nazeer, Seema G. Nair, Rony David
• Director: Indraneel Gopeekrishnan, Rahul G
• Genre: Mystery, Comedy, Thriller
• Availability: Stream now on Netflix (limited to Malayalam; subtitles may be available)

Following its theatrical run starting May 23, 2025, Detective Ujjwalan has landed on Netflix, a rare move for a Malayalam film, thanks to its WCU connection. The film’s satellite rights are with Zee Network, but for now, Netflix is your go-to for streaming this quirky thriller.

Keyword Tip: Search for “Detective Ujjwalan Netflix release” or “Malayalam thriller OTT 2025” to stay updated on streaming news!

Plot Summary: A Small-Town Mystery with Big Stakes

Set in the nostalgic, retro-styled village of Plaachikkaavu, Detective Ujjwalan follows the titular detective, Ujjwalan (Dhyan Sreenivasan), a local sleuth known for solving minor cases like missing jewelry or livestock. The peaceful village is rocked by a series of chilling murders orchestrated by a mysterious figure dubbed the “Boogeyman.” Ujjwalan teams up with CI Shambu Mahadev (Siju Wilson) and a colorful group of townsfolk to unmask the killer. Packed with situational humor, jump scares, and a desi detective vibe, the film promises a rollercoaster of emotions.

Why It’s Trending: Fans of Minnal Murali are buzzing about the WCU connection, making this a must-watch for Malayalam cinema lovers.

Detective Ujjwalan Review: Hits and Misses

Performances That Steal the Show

Dhyan Sreenivasan delivers a career-defining performance as Ujjwalan, blending humor and heart in a role fans are calling “Dhyan 2.0.” His quirky mannerisms and small-town charm make him the film’s heartbeat. Siju Wilson, as the serious CI Shambu, is dependable but underutilized, leaving audiences craving more. The supporting cast, including Kottayam Nazeer and social media stars like Ameen and Nihal Nizam, adds comedic flair, though some characters feel sidelined.

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Technical Brilliance

Shot in the picturesque locales of Palakkad’s Kollengode and Nenmara, the film’s cinematography by Prem Akkattu and Sraiyanti is a visual treat, capturing the rustic essence of Plaachikkaavu. Rzee’s background score and music amplify the suspense, while Sachin Sudhakaran and Aravind Menon’s sound design shines, especially in Atmos theaters. The editing by Chaman Chacko is crisp but occasionally lacks emotional depth, slightly disrupting the narrative flow.

Pro Tip: For the best experience, stream with high-quality audio to enjoy the immersive sound design.

Story and Direction

The screenplay, penned by the directors, draws inspiration from films like Kunjiramayanam, weaving humor into a dark thriller. However, the shift from comedy to suspense feels uneven, and the mystery lacks the gripping twists expected of a detective story. Subplots, like Ujjwalan’s childhood friend Das, remain unresolved, leaving some narrative gaps. While the “Batman vs. Joker” dynamic between Ujjwalan and the Boogeyman is intriguing, it doesn’t fully deliver the emotional punch.

Search Tip: Look up “Detective Ujjwalan plot explained” for fan theories and WCU connections.

Critical Reception

• OTTplay: 4/5 – “A delightful mix of humor and suspense.”
• The Times of India: 2.5/5 – “Lacks the detective thrills it promises.”
• The Indian Express: “Predictable but atmospheric.”
• X Buzz: Fans praise Dhyan’s performance and the retro vibe but note the script needed tighter writing.

Box Office: Made on a ₹4.5 crore budget, the film grossed ₹6.84 crore worldwide, a decent success for its scale.

Why You Should Watch Detective Ujjwalan on Netflix

• Perfect Weekend Vibe: Ideal for families or fans of light-hearted thrillers with mild jump scares.
• WCU Connection: A treat for Minnal Murali fans eager to explore the Weekend Cinematic Universe.
• Dhyan’s Charm: His quirky detective act is worth the watch alone.
• Visual and Audio Treat: Stunning visuals and sound design make it a Netflix gem.

Rating: 3.5/5
Detective Ujjwalan is a fun, nostalgic ride that blends comedy and suspense but stumbles with an uneven script. Stream it for Dhyan Sreenivasan’s stellar act and Plaachikkaavu’s quirky charm.

Where to Stream and Stay Updated

Head to Netflix to watch Detective Ujjwalan now. For the latest reviews, fan reactions, and WCU updates, visit MasalaMirror.com or search “Detective Ujjwalan Netflix review” on Google. Follow us for more Malayalam movie news and OTT release updates!