Sarvam Maya Movie 2025: Full Review, Plot, Cast & OTT Guide

What Is Sarvam Maya?

Sarvam Maya, which translates to “Everything is an Illusion,” is a supernatural comedy that explores themes of love, loss, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. The film is directed by Akhil Sathyan and produced by Firefly Films. It was released theatrically on December 25, 2025, and later premiered on JioHotstar on January 30, 2026. The movie is available in multiple languages, including Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Marathi, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Plot Overview

Sarvam Maya follows Prabhendu Nambhoothiri (Nivin Pauly), a young priest and aspiring guitarist who returns home after his visa for a Europe tour gets cancelled. While assisting his cousin during an exorcism ritual, Prabhendu encounters a mysterious young girl named Delulu (Riya Shibu), who is visible only to him. Delulu, who has no memory of her past, is playful, mischievous, and humorous, and she quickly becomes a central figure in Prabhendu’s life.

As their relationship grows, Delulu begins to influence Prabhendu’s life in unexpected ways. She urges him to reconnect with his estranged father and helps him navigate his personal and professional challenges. Over time, Delulu develops romantic feelings for Prabhendu, but he hesitates to reciprocate, citing the impossibility of their relationship.

The film’s emotional core lies in the gradual revelation of Delulu’s true identity. She is revealed to be Maya Mathew Manjooran, a young woman who died in a road accident and whose soul is seeking closure. As Prabhendu learns about Maya’s past and her unfulfilled dreams, he helps her find peace. The film ends on a hopeful note, with Prabhendu continuing his journey as a musician, guided by Maya’s memories.

Key Plot Twists Explained

Delulu’s True Identity

Delulu starts as a fun-loving ghost but reveals deeper layers tied to her tragic past. This twist adds emotional weight to the comedy.

Prabhendu’s Family Reunion

Delulu pushes Prabhendu to mend ties with his father, creating heartfelt family moments amid supernatural chaos.

The Climactic Resolution

Maya finds peace through Prabhendu’s help, leaving viewers with a mix of joy and reflection on life’s illusions.

Cast and Crew Highlights

• Nivin Pauly as Prabhendu Nambhoothiri: Delivers a charming mix of vulnerability and humour.​

• Riya Shibu as Delulu/Maya Mathew Manjooran: Steals scenes with her bubbly yet poignant performance.​

• Aju Varghese as Saadhya: Provides solid comic relief as Prabhendu’s friend.​

• Preity Mukhundhan as Saadhya’s sister: Adds warmth to supporting roles.

• Janardhanan as Prabhendu’s uncle: Veteran actor shines in brief appearances.

• Madhu Warrier as Prabhendu’s father: Brings gravitas to emotional scenes.

• Althaf Salim as Rupesh: Contributes to group dynamics.

• Gauthami Nair as Prabhendu’s mother: Anchors family elements.

• Raghunath Paleri as Maya’s father: Touches on loss effectively.

• Akhil Sathyan as Director and Writer: Crafts a balanced narrative.

• Justin Prabhakaran as Music Director: Scores elevate key moments.

• Sharan Velayudhan as Cinematographer: Captures Kerala’s beauty vividly.

• Aesthetic Kunjamma and Biju Thomas as Producers: Backed a winner.

Sarvam Maya Features Comparison Table

Box Office and Statistics

Sarvam Maya smashed records with impressive numbers. Here’s a breakdown of its performance:

• Worldwide Gross: Over ₹150 crore, ranking 8th among all-time highest-grossing Malayalam films.

• Kerala Collections: 7th highest-grossing ever in the state.​

• Footfalls: Nearly 49 lakh, Nivin Pauly’s personal best, beating Premam.

• Budget Recovery: Earned over 3 times its budget, a first for Nivin Pauly’s solo lead films.​

• OTT Reach: Multi-language release on JioHotstar boosts global views.

• Audience Ratings: High praise on IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and social media for family appeal.

Growth Trends

Malayalam cinema saw a 20% rise in supernatural comedies post-Sarvam Maya. Multi-language dubs drove 30% more OTT streams for similar films.​

Strengths and Weaknesses

Pros

• Riya Shibu’s standout performance as Delulu brings fresh energy.

• Perfect blend of laughs, tears, and thrills keeps viewers hooked.

• Family-safe content suits all ages without graphic elements.

• Massive commercial hit with broad appeal.

• Easy OTT access in 7 languages expands fanbase.

Cons

• Plot follows familiar tropes in places.

• Some side characters lack depth.

• Comedy drags slightly in middle acts.

Behind-the-Scenes Insights

Making of Sarvam Maya

Filming took place in Kerala’s lush locales, enhancing the supernatural vibe. Akhil Sathyan drew from local folklore for authenticity. Nivin Pauly trained on guitar for his musician role.

Music and Soundtrack

Justin Prabhakaran’s tracks mix folk and modern beats. Key songs amplify Delulu’s playful scenes and emotional peaks. Sound design heightens ghostly effects without scares.

Visual Style

Sharan Velayudhan’s cinematography uses soft lighting for illusions. VFX for Delulu’s appearances feels seamless and non-overdone.

Where to Watch Sarvam Maya

Stream on JioHotstar from January 30, 2026. Check theatrical reruns in select cities. Physical DVDs expected soon. Multi-language options make it ideal for pan-India families.

Internal Linking Suggestions

• Nivin Pauly Best Movies Guide

• Top Malayalam OTT Releases 2026

• Supernatural Comedy Films Ranked

External Resources

• Official JioHotstar page for Sarvam Maya

• IMDb user reviews and ratings

• Times of India box office updates

Trending Sarvam Maya FAQs

What is Sarvam Maya?

Sarvam Maya is a Malayalam supernatural comedy film that explores themes of love, loss, and illusion through the story of Prabhendu and a playful ghost named Delulu.

How does the plot of Sarvam Maya work?

Prabhendu meets ghost Delulu during an exorcism. She helps him fix family ties and chase dreams, revealing her past as Maya.

Is Sarvam Maya worth watching?

Yes, for its fun performances, emotional depth, and family appeal. A solid 3.5/5 from most critics.

What are common complaints about Sarvam Maya?

Predictable turns and thin side plots. Comedy sometimes overstays.

Best tips for enjoying Sarvam Maya?

Watch with family. Focus on Delulu’s charm and music. Avoid spoilers.

Beginner mistakes to avoid?

Don’t expect pure horror—it’s light-hearted. Skip if you hate slow emotional bits.

What are future trends after Sarvam Maya?

More multi-language Malayalam hits. Rise in feel-good supernatural tales.

Where can I stream Sarvam Maya?

JioHotstar from Jan 30, 2026, in 7 languages.

Who is Delulu in Sarvam Maya?

Riya Shibu’s ghost character, aka Maya, central to the story’s heart.

Sarvam Maya ending explained?

Maya finds peace; Prabhendu grows. Bittersweet closure.

Box office of Sarvam Maya?

₹150 crore worldwide, huge win.

Conclusion

Sarvam Maya delivers a fresh take on supernatural comedy with heart. Nivin Pauly and Riya Shibu shine in a story blending laughs and life lessons. Its box office triumph and OTT buzz cement it as a 2025 highlight. Grab popcorn, stream on JioHotstar, and enjoy this illusion of joy with loved ones.