After a decent theatrical run since its release on May 23, 2025, ' Detective Ujjwalan ', starring Dhyan Sreenivasan , has kept fans guessing about its digital debut. Now, reports suggest that the wait might be over soon.
The film is reportedly heading to Netflix for its OTT release — though no official date has been confirmed yet.
According to film industry buzz, including a social media post by AB George, Netflix is believed to have picked up the digital rights. This move comes as a surprise to many, as the streaming giant hasn’t often backed Malayalam films in recent months. So why Detective Ujjwalan?
The ' Minnal Murali ' connection
Industry insiders speculate that the decision is largely due to the film’s ties with Minnal Murali, the Tovino Thomas superhero hit. Detective Ujjwalan is set in the same cinematic universe — known as the Weekend Cinematic Universe — and takes place in the neighboring village of Plaachikkaavu. That shared universe connection may have been key in attracting Netflix’s interest.
On the TV front, there’s also chatter that ZEE Network has acquired the satellite rights.
What the film Is about and ETimes verdict
Directed by Indraneel Gopeekrishnan and Rahul G, Detective Ujjwalan follows a quirky local detective navigating through minor village crimes — until a chilling series of murders shakes up his sleepy hometown. ETimes gave the Dhyan Sreenivasan starrer a rating of 2.5 stars out of 5 and our official review reads, "There are some rules that a detective story needs to make it work and for the effect to stay with us. Some red herrings that will confuse the audience so that we are emotionally and intellectually caught up in the story, a detective who uses logic that will baffle us with its brilliance and a final revelation of the culprit that will shock us. Detective Ujjwalan does not use any of these devices in a forceful enough manner. The period settings are interesting and the village characters are loveable enough, though some of the superb comic talents from social media, Ameen, Nihal Nizam, Nibraz and Shahubas, are barely utilised. The film seems to go in the direction of most Dhyan films; a bit of an anti-climax."