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New Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Basil Joseph Interview: We knew Maranamass would divide opinions
Basil Joseph is currently the man for all seasons in Malayalam cinema. Whether behind the camera or in front of it, he has consistently demonstrated a sharp instinct for engaging audiences. After establishing himself as a director with hits like Kunjiramayanam, Godha, and the game-changing Minnal Murali, he has also steadily grown into one of the industry's most dependable actors. The latest film to showcase his flair for blending wild and unpredictable humour with surprising emotional depth was Maranamass. As Maranamass premieres on SonyLIV today, Basil discusses playing Luke PP, his dynamic with director Sivaprasad, his evolution as an actor, and more. 'We're currently working on my next directorial, and I hope to begin shooting next year," says Basil when asked about his much-awaited return to direction. Even while asserting that it won't be a Malayalam film, Basil remains tight-lipped about whether it will be the much-hyped Ranveer Singh project. Excerpts:
Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Detective Ujjwalan movie review: A Scooby-Doo-esque tale weighed down by mediocre writing and Dhyan Sreenivasan
Detective Ujjwalan movie review: To be honest, makers should, at the very least, now realise that cinematic universes and serial killers no longer automatically pique audience interest. The simple reason is their overuse. It has become almost impossible to walk into a big-ticket or whodunit film without fearing that it's either the first installment of yet another franchise or centred around a serial killer. In debutant directors Indraneel Gopeekrishnan and Rahul G's Detective Ujjwalan, both these elements are at play. Not only is it part of the Weekend Cinematic Universe (WCU), which began with Minnal Murali (2021) and is named after the production company Weekend Blockbusters, but it also revolves around a serial killer on the prowl, targeting those walking alone at night in the fictional village of Plaachikkaavu. A model village that, according to local SI Sachin (Rony David Raj), stands as a 'symbol of goodness and happiness', with a very low crime rate, the only offences that happen in Plaachikkaavu are usually petty thefts by the local thief Anthikkurudan (Nihal Nizam). Hence, when one of the village's just over 200 residents is brutally murdered, the community is left beyond shattered. With no idea how to handle such a serious case, Sachin and his team turn to the local self-styled Sherlock Holmes, Ujjwalan (Dhyan Sreenivasan), the cops' go-to guy for solving minor cases. Armed with half-baked theories, Ujjwalan identifies a suspect and throws him behind bars. However, that crime was only the beginning. More murders follow, sending a chill down the villagers' spines. Soon, Ujjwalan deduces that a serial killer could be behind all the crimes, given the similarities in the modus operandi. As the case gains attention, the department sends in CI Shambu Mahadev (Siju Wilson), along with his assistants Kunchacko and Boban (Nibraz Noushad and Shahubas), to fast-track the investigation. Despite Shambu being a sharp officer, the killer remains elusive. After a rocky start between the two, Ujjwalan launches a parallel probe of his own. Meanwhile, the murderer, whom Shambu has named 'Boogeyman', continues to roam free, on the lookout for his next victim. Will he be caught? Although Detective Ujjwalan had the potential to become something like an episode from the beloved Scooby-Doo cartoons, the film is weighed down by its confusion over whether it wants to be a quirky tale or a full-blown whodunit. As it tries to balance both, what we end up with is a movie that only half-heartedly delivers on either front. One of the key reasons the quirkiness doesn't land well is that it's limited to just a few characters like Ujjwalan, his friend Korea Kurian (Ameen), Anthikkurudan, and Sachin. Had the story been solely about these people, it might have worked better. However, since the movie revolves around the entire Plaachikkaavu, the absence of similarly eccentric traits in other characters restricts the overall whimsical tone. As a result, characters like Ujjwalan and Kurian come across more as isolated goofballs than part of a cohesive quirky world. Also, visually and tonally, certain moments and shots un/knowingly evoke strong déjà vu of Basil Joseph's Kunjiramayanam (2015), and this affects Detective Ujjwalan badly as it only highlights how the film falls short in both humour and charm. While Kunjiramayanam's Desham village was filled with kooky people, as if that's the character of the land as a whole, keeping viewers hooked to the events unfolding there, Detective Ujjwalan stumbles by failing to establish a similarly engaging setting or community. On the crime thriller front, the film suffers from a complete lack of originality and high predictability. This is evident even in the handling of the actual culprit; the way he's framed in earlier scenes — particularly when shown among crowds — which gives away quite a bit before the final reveal. Once the movie steps into its core plot, writer-directors Indraneel and Rahul nest at the middling level, never rising above even once. Even though the film draws from the mythical monster of Kokkachi (also known as Anchakkallakokkan in some parts of Kerala and as the Boogeyman in English, used by elders to scare children into behaving well), Detective Ujjwalan fails to integrate this well into its narrative. The aforementioned confusion becomes glaringly obvious here too. By giving the serial killer(s) a generic and hackneyed backstory, the film completes its descent into mediocrity. Although their writing falters, Indraneel and Rahul's filmmaking shines in many places, particularly in setting the atmosphere and the tense moments featuring the Boogeyman. The killer's pursuit of certain victims and how the murders are portrayed, without excessive gore, also highlight their skill. Though we see intriguing props (books, movie posters, etc) scattered across Ujjwalan's room and the village, the directors wisely avoid overusing them to establish a specific time period, maintaining the fictional tone they've adopted in an even manner throughout. Dhyan Sreenivasan in the titular role might be the costliest choice the directors made and, unfortunately, the price they've paid is the complete absence of Ujjwalan in the film. Not once do we truly see Ujjwalan on screen. Instead, we get Dhyan himself — minus his usual promotional interview shenanigans — who never manages to get into the character. While it's evident that Ujjwalan had enough material, at least on paper, to be a unique and intriguing character, Dhyan's portrayal strips it of any such potential. He simply walks through the film as himself, with the only added layer being a Sethurama Iyer–esque vibhuti mark on his forehead. Siju Wilson, on the other hand, shines as Shambu, delivering a measured portrayal. He is particularly impressive during the climactic fight and, to some extent, compensates for Dhyan's lacklustre performance. Rony David Raj also impresses in the comedic scenes, though he falters in the emotional moments; fortunately, those are few and far between. Kottayam Nazeer and Seema G Nair, playing Ujjwalan's parents, are spectacular in their respective roles. Nihal Nizam as Anthikkurudan is a delight to watch, bringing genuine charm to the screen. Ameen, however, fails to leave a lasting impression, largely due to the way the character has been crafted, relying overtly on his social media persona and (unfunny) dialogues that seem tailored to it. On the technical front, Chaman Chakko's editing is one of Detective Ujjwalan's saving graces. Playing with the frames, particularly their pace, cuts and even aspect ratio, he gives the movie a uniqueness that many in the cast and crew couldn't. Rzee's music complements these efforts, though not always seamlessly. Prem Akkattu and Sraiyanti deliver commendable work in cinematography, particularly in scenes featuring the killer. Koyaz M's art direction, Nisar Rahmath's costume design and Shaji Pulpally's makeup also deserve praise for elevating the film's visual texture. Detective Ujjwalan movie cast: Dhyan Sreenivasan, Siju Wilson, Rony David Raj, Kottayam Nazeer, Seema G Nair Detective Ujjwalan movie director: Indraneel Gopeekrishnan, Rahul G Detective Ujjwalan movie rating: 2 stars Anandu Suresh is a Senior sub-editor at Indian Express Online. He specialises in Malayalam cinema, but doesn't limit himself to it and explores various aspects of the art form. He also pens a column titled Cinema Anatomy, where he delves extensively into the diverse layers and dimensions of cinema, aiming to uncover deeper meanings and foster continuous discourse. Anandu previously worked with The New Indian Express' news desk in Hyderabad, Telangana. You can follow him on Twitter @anandu_suresh_ and write (or send movie recommendations) to him at ... Read More
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Detective Ujjwalan Release Date: ‘Detective Ujjwalan' release pushed to THIS date: 'Case has taken an unexpected detour'
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) New release date out! 'Ujjwalan's case has taken an unexpected detour!' Detective Ujjwalan - Official Teaser Second installment on WCU Dhyan Sreenivasan as Detective Ujjwalan The release of 'Detective Ujjwalan', starring Dhyan Sreenivasan in the lead, has been officially slated to hit theatres on May 16, the film will now premiere on May 23. The announcement was made through the film's official social media channels, along with a brand-new poster of Dhyan in full detective a playful caption accompanying the update, the makers wrote, 'Ujjwalan's case has taken an unexpected detour! Our detective and his motley crew need just a little more time. Case opens on May 23—trust us, it'll be worth it!'Detective Ujjwalan is the second installment in the Weekend Cinematic Universe , following the much-loved superhero film 'Minnal Murali'.The film is helmed by debutant directors Rahul G and Indraneel Gopeekrishnan. It blends mystery and humour against the vibrant backdrop of a rural village where strange crimes Sreenivasan leads a strong ensemble cast that includes Siju Wilson, Rony David Raj, Kottayam Nazeer, Seema G Nair, Kalabhavan Navas, and Nirmal Palazhi. Newcomers like Ameen Nihal, Nibras, and Shahabas also join the quirky cinematography is by husband-wife duo Prem Akkudi and Srayanti—making their Malayalam debut after their work in the Tamil film 'Gargi'. Other key crew members include art director Koya, makeup artist Shaji Pullappally, costume designer Nissar Rahmath, and chief associate director Ratheesh M Michael.'Detective Ujjwalan' is expected to be marking another hit for Dhyan Sreenivasan after Vineeth Sreenivasan's directorial 'Varshangalkku Shesham', which was a multi-starrer movie. The teaser and promo materials for 'Detective Ujjwalan' looked impressive, and the expectations are sky high. Dhyan Sreenivasan will be next seen in the Dileep starrer feel good drama movie 'Prince and the Family'.
Gulf News
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
With 'Thudarum', Mohanlal has found his groove just like Mammootty: Dubai producer Sophia Paul and fans rejoice
Dubai-based producer Sophia Paul, known for backing films like Minnal Murali and Bangalore Days, captured what many fans and industry insiders are feeling right now after watching Mohanlal shine in Thudarum. 'I had goosebumps. I felt a surge of emotions. It was such a pleasure to finally see Mohanlal in his element again," said Sophie in an interview with Gulf News. She praised director Tharun Moorthy for understanding how to use the star wattage of a superstar like Mohanlal — something that, in recent years, even seasoned filmmakers struggled to do. "It felt like a moment of validation and empowerment," she added. Sophia Paul is not alone in her sentiment. With Thudarum, Mohanlal has delivered the kind of performance that reminds us exactly why he is considered a titan of Malayalam cinema. The film is storming both the Indian and UAE box offices, earning strong collections and universal praise from fans, critics, and his colleagues. In UAE alone, the movie has clocked a whopping 207, 767 admissions in just three days of its release. Thudarum is a slow-burn thriller that plays perfectly to Mohanlal's enduring strengths. The scenes where he quietly unravels while coming to terms with an unimaginable tragedy are a masterclass in restrained, powerful acting. Without histrionics, he conveys profound grief — a testament to his unparalleled control and emotional intelligence as a performer. For longtime fans, Thudarum feels like a potent reminder of the Mohanlal who once captured the pulse of Kerala's youth in films like Nadodikattu with Shobana — that boyish, relatable figure who could turn everyday struggles into unforgettable cinema. Now, seasoned with experience and gravitas, Lalettan taps into something even deeper, proving that true screen magic never fades; it simply evolves. It's also worth noting how timely this resurgence feels, especially when compared to the stellar trajectory of Mammootty, his peer and contemporary. At 73, Mammootty has been on an extraordinary run, delivering career-best performances in films like Kaathal – The Core and Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam. His choices reflect an actor fully embracing his age, leaning into textured, meaningful roles that add to his already legendary legacy. Mammootty's recent work shows a man in perfect sync with his artistic instincts — courageous, authentic, and effortless. In contrast, Mohanlal, at 64, seemed for a time to be searching for that same sweet spot. Some recent projects, like L2: Empuraan, with their designer trench coats, leather pants, and stylised avatars, didn't feel like a natural fit. It was as though he was being squeezed into a template that didn't quite honor the magic that made him beloved in the first place. But Thudarum changes that narrative completely. Here, there are no gimmicks. No forced reinventions. Just a great actor and a compelling story — and the result is electric.
