Exclusive: After 'Minnal Murali' and 'Detective Ujjwalan', here's what to expect from Weekend Cinematic Universe's third entry 'Jambi'

After their rooted, grounded take on the superhero genre — the Basil Joseph-directed Tovino Thomas-starrer Minnal Murali — proved to be a streaming blockbuster, followed by the impressively presented Dhyan Sreenivasan-led Detective Ujjwalan, also set in the same Weekend Cinematic Universe (WCU), Sophia Paul's Weekend Blockbusters is gearing up for Jambi, which promises a fresh take on the zombie genre.

Audiences that went to see Detective Ujjwalan on the big screen got a first-look glimpse of the third WCU project, helmed by George Kora and penned by him alongside Hari Krishnan KR and Nandhu Manoj. Kora is known for scripting the Nivin Pauly film Njandukalude Naattil Oridavela, as well as writing and directing films such as Thirike and Tholvi FC.

The brief teaser, which shows a temple oracle transforming into the titular entity, was released online by the makers on Sunday, piqued viewers' curiosity.

In a brief chat with THE WEEK, George Kora shares that Jambi is his original take on the zombie genre that's "completely rooted in a naadan setting," adding that there were a couple of Jambi easter eggs in Detective Ujjwalan.

Since these three properties are part of a shared universe, the question of a crossover possibility inevitably arises. Speaking on the same, Kora says: "Crossovers are very much a possibility. This universe is in a nascent stage. So that will take time. But hopefully worth it."

Production on Jambi is expected to kick off soon this year, with the release window currently slated for Onam 2026.

Jambi will have Deepak D Menon behind the camera and Chaman Chakko on the editing table. Sibi Mathew Alex is working on the music, with Sync Cinema behind the sound design and Aravind Menon in charge of sound mixing. Mindstein Studios has been assigned visual effects duties.

Entertainment