Movie Name : Detective Ujjwalan
Streaming Date : July 11, 2025
Streaming Platform : Netflix
123telugu.com Rating : 2.5/5
Starring : Dhyan Sreenivasan, Siju Wilson, Rony David Raj, Kottayam Nazeer, Seema G Nair, Ameen, Nihal Nizam, Nibraz Noushad and Others
Director : Indraneel Gopeekrishnan & Rahul G
Producer : Sophia Paul
Music Director : Rzee, Sibi Mathew Alex, Sibi Mathew Alex,
Cinematographer : Premkrishna Akkattu, Sraiyanti Harichandran
Editor : Chaman Chakko
Related Links : Trailer
Detective Ujjwalan, a mystery thriller starring Dhyan Sreenivasan, is now streaming on Netflix in Malayalam with English subtitles. But does it manage to deliver any chills? Let’s find out in the following review.
Story:
Plaachikkaavu is a quiet village with around 250 residents. Life is peaceful, and the local police have little to do until a shocking murder disturbs the calm. At first, the villagers remain indifferent, but when more murders occur in the same pattern, the mood shifts. Local detective Ujjwalan (Dhyan Sreenivasan) investigates but gets nowhere. Then CI Shambhu Mahadev (Siju Wilson), a senior officer, joins the case. Each suspects someone different, yet the murders continue. Will the mystery be solved, and who is behind it all? That is the central thread the film follows.
Plus Points:
Dhyan Sreenivasan and Siju Wilson are decent in their roles. Rony David Raj (as SI Sachin) and Kottayam Nazeer (as Narayanankutty) provide occasional comic relief that adds lightness to the otherwise grim setting.
The film does not follow the usual detective thriller formula. By blending comedy into serious situations, the directors aim to offer a fresh take on the genre. This tonal experiment might appeal to viewers tired of formulaic thrillers.
Minus Points:
Despite aiming for something different, the execution falls short. The pacing is inconsistent, with long and draggy stretches, especially in the first half. The story picks up briefly midway but never sustains momentum.
While the mix of comedy and mystery is an interesting idea, it ultimately weakens the suspense. The film never commits to a clear tone, which makes it hard to stay invested.
The villain’s character and motive are underdeveloped and predictable. Mathew Puthukadan, who plays the antagonist, fails to leave an impression. A stronger backstory or a more nuanced performance could have added depth.
There are too many supporting characters, and many of them do not serve the plot. The casting overall lacks spark and does not help in creating any anticipation.
Technical Aspects:
Directors Indraneel Gopalakrishnan and Rahul G show ambition but lack control over tone and structure. A tighter screenplay and more focused direction could have made a significant difference. The sound design does not heighten the tension, but the camerawork is okay. Editing feels uneven, and the production values are serviceable.
Verdict:
On the whole, Detective Ujjwalan offers little in terms of suspense or impact. Despite a couple of decent performances, the film struggles with its tone, lacks narrative grip, and misses the mark with an unconvincing villain. With underwhelming writing and direction, it ends up being a mediocre watch. You are better off exploring other thrillers.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.5/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team