Latest news with #WeekendCinematicUniverse
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Loved Lokesh Cinematic Universe? Check out how Mollywood is building its own epic world - 'WCU'
While 's Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) has gripped audiences with its action-thriller storytelling, Malayalam cinema has quietly been nurturing its own shared universe — one that trades machine guns for quirky humor and genre experiments. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Known as the Weekend Cinematic Universe (WCU), this budding franchise from Weekend Blockbusters is steadily stitching together interconnected stories, and its next chapter could be the boldest yet. From tailor-turned-superhero to sharp-witted detective The WCU's journey began with the 2021 film 'Minnal Murali'. The Tovino Thomas starrer was a runaway hit. The movie had the plot of an ordinary tailor, Jaison who turns into Kerala's first homegrown superhero after a freak lightning strike. Minnal Murali | Song - Thee Minnal Following 'Minnal Murali's success, it set the stage for 'Detective Ujjwalan'. The mystery drama film had Dhyan Sreenivasan as a small town youngster whose razor-sharp mind is pitted against a serial killer or in comic book terms - a shadowy nemesis. With its cat-and-mouse suspense and comedic undertones, it expanded the WCU into fresh genre territory. Detective Ujjwalan - Official Teaser Zombies on the horizon with ' Jambi ' Next up, the WCU is venturing into uncharted territory which is a zombie apocalypse. Titled 'Jambi', the upcoming film is penned by Nandu Manoj, Harikrishnan, and George Kora. T plot details of 'Jambi' remain tightly guarded. The film promises to merge Malayalam cinema's grounded storytelling style with the high-octane chaos of a zombie outbreak. If early whispers are true, Jambi could introduce crossover opportunities with earlier WCU characters, creating a truly multi-genre, interconnected Malayalam film world. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A short glimpse of 'Jambi' was shown during the end credits of 'Detective Ujjwalan', and it looks quite impressive. Why LCU fans might want to keep an eye on WCU Though the LCU thrives on gritty, adrenaline-fueled action, the WCU's charm lies in its tonal diversity which is superhero adventures, detective thrillers, and now zombies, all tied together through subtle narrative links. WCU is surely for those fans who love the thrill of spotting Easter eggs, guessing character connections, and anticipating crossover events.
Pink Villa
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Detective Ujjwalan OTT Release: When and where to watch Malayalam mystery comedy starring Dhyan Sreenivasan, Siju Wilson
Malayalam mystery comedy Detective Ujjwalan opened to mixed reviews at the box office and grossed moderately in terms of numbers. It has been a part of the Weekend Cinematic Universe helmed by producer Sophia Paul, who also led Minnal Murali. And now the movie has finally locked its official OTT streaming date. When and where to watch Detective Ujjwalan Detective Ujjwalan will begin streaming on Netflix starting July 11. The OTT giant confirmed the same with an official post on their X handle. However, it would only be available in its original Malayalam version. Sharing a poster of the film, they wrote 'Case endhaayalum Ujjwalan is always standing on business. Watch Detective Ujjwalan on Netflix, out 11 July in Malayalam.' Official trailer and plot of Detective Ujjwalan The premise of the movie is set against a village named Plaachikkaavu, where a local detective named Ujjwalan resides. Amid leading a mundane life, he once comes across as a somewhat ominous character who readily challenges his skills and intellect. What starts as a mere matter of competition turns into a deadly battle of wits. While the village itself is only known for minor crimes, the presence of this new character causes some unexpected and untoward turns, even in the lives of its residents. As a result, it leaves Ujjawalan with the task of determining whether he will successfully find the culprit. Its seeming connection with Minnal Murali also adds to the climax of the film. The film stars Dhyan Sreenivasan, Siju Wilson, Kottayam Nazeer, Seema G Nair, Ameen, Nihal Nizam, Nibraz Noushad, Shahubas, and Roni David Raj. It is written and directed by Indraneel Gopalakrishnan and Rahul G, and is produced by Sophia Paul under the banners of Phars Film and AP International.
Mint
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Detective Ujjwalan OTT Release: When and where to watch Dhyan Sreenivasan, Siju Wilson's mystery drama
Following a decent run at the box office since its theatrical release on May 23, 2025, Detective Ujjwalan, featuring Dhyan Sreenivasan, has had fans eagerly awaiting its digital premiere. Now, the latest reports indicate that the film might soon make its way to Netflix, although an official release date is yet to be announced. According to industry sources and a recent social media update by AB George, Netflix has reportedly acquired the streaming rights. This development has taken many by surprise, as the platform has not actively backed Malayalam films in recent times. So what drew them to Detective Ujjwalan? The answer may lie in the film's ties to Minnal Murali, the popular Tovino Thomas superhero film. Detective Ujjwalan exists within the same fictional world — the Weekend Cinematic Universe — and is set in the neighbouring village of Plaachikkaavu. This shared universe element is believed to have played a key role in catching Netflix's attention. Meanwhile, there are also reports that ZEE Network has bagged the satellite television rights for the film. Directed by Indraneel Gopeekrishnan and Rahul G, Detective Ujjwalan follows the story of an eccentric village detective who handles petty crimes — until his quiet town is rocked by a series of unsettling murders.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Detective Ujjwalan' OTT release: Dhyan Sreenivasan starrer to stream on THIS platform
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is your tinnitus getting worse? Do this immediately (Watch) Hearing Magazine Undo 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."
Pink Villa
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Detective Ujjwalan on OTT: Is Dhyan Sreenivasan starrer coming to Netflix for sharing same universe with Minnal Murali?
Detective Ujjwalan, starring Dhyan Sreenivasan in the lead role, hit the big screens on May 23, 2025. Following the theatrical run, the movie was in limbo regarding its streaming update. Now, it seems that might change soon. Detective Ujjwalan on OTT According to several reports, including a buzz shared by AB George, the film is set to make its digital debut on the OTT platform Netflix. However, it seems that the movie is taken up by the digital streaming giant only due to its connection to Minnal Murali. As per the ongoing rumors, Netflix, which is usually reluctant to take up Malayalam movies for streaming, has decided to buy the rights for Dhyan Sreenivasan starrer. This is speculated due to the movie sharing the same cinematic universe as the Tovino Thomas starrer. While it is also being speculated that ZEE Network has bought the television rights for the film, an official confirmation about its digital and tv debut are yet to be made. About Detective Ujjwalan Detective Ujjwalan features the story of Ujjwalan, a local detective from the fictional village of Plaachikkaavu. While the village is usually known for minor crimes, it all takes a turn when a mysterious figure emerges with a deadly series of crimes. Now, Ujjwalan is faced with his ultimate challenge, putting a test to see whether he will be able to find the culprit. The movie is the second installment in the Weekend Cinematic Universe, taking place in a nearby village as Minnal Murali's Kurukkanmoola. Apart from Dhyan, the movie features an ensemble cast of actors like Siju Wilson, Kottayam Nazeer, Seema G. Nair, Ameen, Nihal Nizam, Nibraz Noushad, Shahubas, Rony David Raj, and many more in key roles. Coming to Dhyan Sreenivasan's work front, the actor is next set to appear in the movie Bha. Bha. Ba. (short for Bhayam, Bhakthi, Bahumanam), co-starring with his brother Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dileep. Watch the teaser of Bha Bha Ba The upcoming film is a Malayalam-language action comedy helmed by Dhananjay Shankar in his directorial debut. Aside from the lead actors, the film features Balu Varghese, Sandy, Baiju Santhosh, and Saranya Ponvannan in supporting roles, with Mohanlal expected to make a cameo.
