Kalabhavan Navas’s stunning transformation in ‘Detective Ujjwalan’ left even the crew guessing

The last time Malayalam audiences saw Kalabhavan Navas on screen was in the film 'Detective Ujjwalan'. His performance and makeover in the movie garnered widespread attention. In fact, the transformation was so convincing that many viewers couldn’t believe it was Navas playing the role at all.
Even those who worked closely with the film were taken aback. Stunt choreographer Ashraf Gurukkal, who was part of the action team, recently shared a behind-the-scenes account of the shoot that sheds light on just how remarkable Navas’s performance was.

“When 'Detective Ujjwalan' was released, several people called me asking if Navas had used a body double for one of the action scenes,” Ashraf wrote in a social media post. “I feel Malayalam cinema hasn’t made full use of Kalabhavan Navas's potential. I don’t need to explain much—audiences know his talent. In 'Detective Ujjwalan', there was a nighttime action sequence in a field where Navas’s character is killed.”

According to Ashraf, the scene was technically challenging. It required rope support for a fall, and the shoot location was in the middle of a paddy field with a large rock at the centre—an area inaccessible to industrial cranes.

“Javed was the production controller,” Ashraf continued. “I told him there was only one way to do this. If art director Koyakka could pull off something major, I could make the shot work.”

After consulting with Koyakka, the team decided to go ahead despite the risks. Rajeesh and his crew started constructing the setup under Koyakka’s guidance. Navas, meanwhile, had completed his makeup and walked up to Ashraf, ready for the take.
“It was already dusk and the lights were being set up. I looked at him and thought, Is this really Navas? I had to call Javed and ask, ‘Is this Navas?’ He laughed and confirmed, ‘Yes ikka, it’s him.’”

With the trial sequence ready, Ashraf showed Navas the fight choreography. “We’ve known each other for years,” he wrote. “I asked him, ‘Ikka, what if we used a double instead?’ But he said he’d do it himself. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll do it,’ he said with full confidence.”

What happened next left the crew in awe. “The fear disappeared from his face. Within seconds, he transformed into the villain character. ‘Roll camera!’ I shouted.”

“Rolling! Action… perfect.”
After the shot, the team rushed to Navas, who was lying on the rock. “Are you okay, bhai? Did the shot work?” Navas asked. Both Ashraf and the director assured him it was perfect. But Navas, ever the professional, insisted on doing another take.
“So we agreed. The first take was already great, and he nailed it again in the second. He received a well-deserved round of applause for his dedication and performance.”