Dhyan Sreenivasan returns with a bang in ‘Detective Ujjwalan’ – Here’s everything you need to know about the OTT release, plot, and streaming platform.
Dhyan Sreenivasan is leading the way in the Malayalam film industry with “Detective Ujjwalan,” an upcoming investigative thriller with the distinction of being the first film from the industry to debut on OTT media after the pandemic and the financial uncertainty that followed. With crime thrillers dominating Indian OTT media and the excitement surrounding MNM being associated with the genre of whodunnit films, Detective Ujjwalan is already stirring excitement even days from its debut.
Detective Ujjwalan – A New-Age Thriller
Detective Ujjwalan is an investigative thriller starring an unconventional, quirky detective setting out to uncover real hidden dark secrets beyond what is going to be unfolding in a simple case setup. It also has suspense, noir and region-based flavour with a global appeal, and is culturally and linguistically uniquely Kerala.
Make no mistake, Detective Ujjwalan is not the usual thriller. The film captures the excitement associated with deduction, plot twisting, and games of cat-and-mouse going on between investigators and the criminal — elements that will never go out of style in OTT media.
Official OTT Release Date Confirmed
The release date is official: the OTT (over-the-top) release will be July 12, 2025. This provides fans just enough time to clear their binge-watch queue for a thrilling film that will leave them on the edge of their seat.
Digital premiere follows a limited theatrical run for early momentum for the title.
Where to watch Detective Ujjwalan online
The film is premiering on SonyLIV, one of India’s premium OTT platforms for regional and crime thriller productions. The movie is being released in Malayalam with English and Hindi subtitles available for their pan-India and international audiences.
What is the plot of Detective Ujjwalan?
Without providing significant spoilers, Detective Ujjwalan explores a murder investigation that starts as a routine investigation before evolving into a psychological quagmire. A businessman is found dead in dubious circumstances. Ujjwalan, the eccentric detective, is called to solve the murder, and upon arriving he discovers layers of corruption, betrays, and ulterior motives.
The film’s script does an admirable job walking the fine line of balancing procedural crime elements with an emotional narrative, as Ujjwalan battles his own personal demons at the same time he chases the truth.
Cast and Crew
Dhyan Sreenivasan as Detective Ujjwalan
Aparna Balamurali as the sharp forensic specialist
Indrajith Sukumaran in a cameo as the rival investigator
Jaffer Idukki in a character actor role as the main accused
Director: Rohith Narayanan
Writer: Anil Kurup
Director of Photography: Ratheesh Velayudhan
Music: Prashanth Pillai
Editor: Vivek Harshan
The film is showcases a compelling combination of relatively new and established artists, both behind and in front of the camera.
Director’s Vision and Approach
Director Rohith Narayanan intended to make an intelligent, stylized film that functions as more than just a filmed thrill ride. He was inspired by some of the noir-ish classics of Malayalam cinema, like Ee.Maa.Yau and Joseph, and allowed the layered dialogue, powerful atmosphere, and slow burn to emerge in some fashion, akin to the loss of lucidity that comes with slow exposure, expanded time, illumination and vibration.
While the story’s psychological tone unfolded, the aesthetics of understated low-light movies that resemble reality, and allow for long takes to honour and try and capture a truth that is fundamentally absent and cannot be fully visualized, in what is set to be a very ambiguous real location experience for the audience is made manifest.
Why This Thriller Could Go Viral
India’s OTT landscape is thriving, particularly in the area of thrillers (Suzhal, Kohrra, Vadhandhi). Detective Ujjwalan ticks many boxes.
Flawed, relatable protagonist
Fast-paced mystery with intelligent plotting
Intelligent storytelling without over-the-top-action
Subtle societal commentary on the justice system and human psychology
Subtitled for non-Malayalam users.
The digital-native release provides a solid opportunity to trend on Google Discover, YouTube Shorts, and Reels thanks to subtle meme-able moments and punchy dialogues.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
Dhyan Sreenivasan lived in isolation to get into the mindset of Ujjwalan for 2 weeks.
The climactic scene was filmed in one take, which early viewers found impressive.
The screenplay was written and rewritten six drafts before it was finalized.
Critical Reviews and Early Reactions
Full reviews will be published post-release but early critics and private-screener viewers are calling it a “taut, character-driven thriller” that “keeps you guessing until the end.” The standout performances of Dhyan and Aparna received particular praise.
If this buzz maintains, Detective Ujjwalan could see itself in the top 10 Malayalam thrillers of the decade.
Should You Watch It?
If you enjoy edge-of-your-seat storytelling coupled with gripping performances and lingering intrigue – Detective Ujjwalan is absolutely worth your time. The film operates as an ode to Malayalam story-telling tradition while embracing the pacing advantages of modern-day OTT audiences. Not to mention the synergy of relatable protagonists, crisp cinematography, and an intelligent script, likely making this one of the most exciting and talked-about OTT thrillers of 2025.
FAQs
What is the release of Detective Ujjwalan?
A. Premiere on July 12, 2025 on SonyLIV.
Is Detective Ujjwalan a true story?
A. Not a true story, but inspired by real psychological cases.
Will it have Hindi or English subtitles?
A. Yes, it will have both.
Is this a movie or a web series?
A. It is one feature film, stand alone, and not a series.
What genre is Detective Ujjwalan?
A. Psychological investigative thriller.