Netflix is expanding its Malayalam film library with the addition of Detective Ujjwalan, a quirky yet intense investigative thriller that premiered theatrically in May 2025. Produced by Sophia Paul under the Weekend Blockbusters banner, the film has officially secured a digital release date and will begin streaming on Netflix from July 11, exclusively in its original Malayalam language version.
With its blend of offbeat humor, rural suspense, and character-driven storytelling, Detective Ujjwalan stands apart in the crowded genre of crime thrillers. The movie is headlined by Dhyan Sreenivasan, whose performance as the unorthodox detective Ujjwalan has already garnered critical praise. The film is co-directed by Rahul G and Indraneel Gopi Krishnan, who have worked together to craft a small-town mystery that walks a fine line between whimsy and paranoia.
Detective Ujjwalan OTT Release Date
Detective Ujjwalan is all set to be premiered on 11 July 2025 on Netflix.
The digital release of Detective Ujjwalan on Netflix not only offers a broader audience the chance to enjoy this rural noir but also solidifies the platform’s commitment to regional Indian cinema.
Netflix has been steadily building an impressive collection of Malayalam titles including Minnal Murali, RDX, and Kondal, and Detective Ujjwalan adds a fresh twist to that lineup with its blend of small-town eccentricity and crime-thriller intensity.
While the streaming giant initially held back on announcing a precise release date, fans can now mark their calendars for July 11, 2025, when the film officially begins streaming.
Confirming the release, Netflix posted on its X (formerly Twitter) handle: Case endhaayalum Ujjwalan is always standing on business. Watch Detective Ujjwalan on Netflix, out 11 July in Malayalam.
When and Where to Watch Detective Ujjwalan
You can watch this investigative thriller on Netflix from 11 July 2025.
Produced by Sophia Paul, known for backing hits like Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol and Kaathal The Core, Detective Ujjwalan represents a well-balanced collaboration between artistic intent and commercial sensibility.
The film’s theatrical release earned it modest box office success, bolstered by word-of-mouth praise for its originality and layered storytelling. The transition to OTT via Netflix marks a natural evolution for a film that thrives on detailed visuals, subtle character interactions, and immersive settings.
Streaming will allow viewers to revisit scenes, appreciate the subtleties of dialect and behavior, and perhaps even notice clues hidden in plain sight essential for any good detective tale.
With its July 11 digital release, Detective Ujjwalan is poised to be one of the season’s most talked-about Malayalam thrillers on OTT. Anchored by a charming lead performance, rich cultural context, and a plot that deftly merges humor with horror, the film promises both entertainment and intrigue.
Detective Ujjwalan Movie Story
Set in the fictional town of Plaachikkaavu, Detective Ujjwalan introduces audiences to a seemingly ordinary village that hides something far more sinister beneath its surface. Ujjwalan, the town’s beloved if slightly oddball detective, spends his days solving minor crimes and curating a library of classic detective novels in his modest office.
However, his routine is suddenly interrupted when the town is rocked by a series of brutal murders attributed to a shadowy killer dubbed the ‘Boogeyman’. The contrast between Ujjwalan’s laid-back demeanor and the dark crimes that begin to unfold adds a unique flavor to the narrative.
As fear grips the community, the local police enlist his help, forcing Ujjwalan out of his comfort zone and into a high-stakes investigation. What follows is a gripping journey where laughter, tension, and community spirit collide, as Ujjwalan teams up with both law enforcement and quirky villagers to confront a mysterious menace threatening their peaceful lives.
The Cast & Crew of Detective Ujjwalan Movie
At the heart of Detective Ujjwalan is Dhyan Sreenivasan, who delivers a nuanced performance that balances humor and depth. His portrayal of Ujjwalan adds authenticity to a character that could have easily slipped into parody.
He is joined by a stellar supporting cast including: Siju Wilson, Rony David Raj, Kottayam Nazeer, Seema G. Nair, Kalabhavan Navas, Nirmal Palazhi. Each actor brings a unique personality to the ensemble, making the fictional town of Plaachikkaavu feel vividly alive and inhabited.
Behind the scenes, the technical team enhances the atmosphere with creative precision. The film features dual cinematography by Prem Akkattu and Sraiyanti, who capture the vibrant landscapes and eerie corners of Plaachikkaavu with equal flair.
Editor Chaman Chacko ensures the film maintains a steady rhythm, smoothly shifting from moments of levity to sequences of suspense. The music, composed by Rzee, subtly underscores the escalating tension without overpowering the film’s tone, adding both emotional and dramatic texture.
The OTT debut of Detective Ujjwalan comes at a time when Malayalam cinema is experiencing a vibrant summer season across streaming platforms. The film originally premiered in May alongside other major titles like Tovino Thomas’ Narivetta and Sreenath Bhasi’s Azadi.
With each film exploring different themes and genres, audiences are being treated to a diverse palette of Malayalam storytelling this season. Detective Ujjwalan, however, is likely to carve its own niche thanks to its unusual blend of humor, mystery, and rural ambiance.
Whether you’re a fan of suspense dramas, Malayalam cinema, or just looking for something refreshingly original, Detective Ujjwalan is worth adding to your Netflix watchlist. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, regional gems like this remind us of the power of storytelling rooted in local flavor but elevated by universal emotions.