Detective Ujjwalan review: This Dhyan Sreenivasan film is the perfect addition to the intricately crafted cinematic universe

Detective Ujjwalan story: A 'Boogeyman' haunts Plaachikkaavu, a village that is said to be peaceful and crime free. Local detective Ujjwalan and a team of police and villagers are determined to catch this mysterious figure while the mysterious foe is on a murderous rampage. 

Detective Ujjwalan review: The storyline and direction of Detective Ujjwalan by debutantes Rahul G and Indraneel Gopeekrishnan complements Weekend Blockbusters' attempts to establish Malayalam's first cinematic universe. Its humorous elements, narrative approach, and subtle performances make the investigative thriller, which avoids the clichés of its genre, an engaging watch.

The village of Plaachikkaavu is said to be tranquil and free of crime. Meanwhile, a shadowy figure known as "Boogeyman" terrorises the neighbourhood by murdering a number of random villagers who venture out alone at night. Dhyan Sreenivasan portrays Ujjwalan, a local detective who aspires to solve a big case but is only called in for trivial ones like tracking down misplaced or lost things. In the face of mockery from the locals, Ujjwalan, a die-hard thriller enthusiast, sets out to track down the Boogeyman with his squad. Meanwhile, a special investigation team, headed by Shambu Mahadevan, arrives in the town to apprehend the serial killer. 

Ujjwalan's efforts are consistently disregarded by this investigation team. However, he remains pumped up, committed to uncovering the identity of the mysterious murderer. The main question of the movie is whether Plaachikkaavu will be able to escape the Boogeyman's curse and whether Ujjwalan will discover the truth about the killer.

With the opening of a fictional scenic village full of simpletons who have never heard of phrases like "serial killer" or "psychopath," the movie seems like it belongs in a comic book. The makers present the story in an engaging and humorous way, leaving the spectator with little opportunity to guess who the murderer might be. The best aspect is that the story is told in two hours without exerting too many twists or characters for the audience. Meanwhile, the viewers is sure to be curious about Weekend Blockbusters' next production thanks to the subplots that introduce the makers's attempts to incorporate a cinematic universe (WCU).

The filmmakers' decision to bring in a hero without mass appeal or action sequences is another strong feature of the movie. Because he is afraid of the dark, Ujjwalan relies on his ability to pick out even the smallest details and uncover hints to the truth to make it through. Dhyan seems ideal as the frightened but self-assured detective Ujjwalan, in contrast to his recent films like Malayalee From India or Kudumba Sthreeyum Kunjadum, which did not provide the actor with a worthy character. 

Rony David, who plays SI Sachin, and Siju Wilson, who plays Shambu Mahadevan, both give the movie their best effort. In the meantime, another performer that leaves an impression on the audience with his sense of humour is Nihaal Nizam. In addition to having a well-written plot, the movie is incredibly well-executed, with adept cinematography, music, and editing.

Even though there are some emotional moments that don't seem to have enough depth, the film's easygoing yet compelling plot makes up for the minor flaws.

Detective Ujjwalan verdict: The Dhyan Sreenivasan film is undoubtedly entertaining for anyone who enjoy a decent investigative thriller with a humorous spin. It is also significant to note that the Varshangalkku Shesham actor appears in a character that best suits him.