By Sam Trailerman
Sarvam Maya (Everything is an Illusion) is a Malayalam fantasy comedy-drama directed by Akhil Sathyan, starring Nivin Pauly and newcomer Riya Shibu. Released on December 25, 2025, the film tells the story of Prabhendu (Nivin Pauly), an atheist musician who ends up working as a priest after his visa rejection forces him back to his hometown. His life takes an unexpected turn when he befriends Delulu, a quirky Gen Z ghost caught between worlds.
A Ghost with Gen Z Charm
Delulu (Riya Shibu) is no ordinary spectre — she’s playful, witty, and respectful of boundaries, making her instantly relatable to younger audiences. Her chemistry with Nivin Pauly is both adorable and refreshing, giving the film its heart. Aju Varghese adds effortless comic timing, especially in his scenes with Nivin, ensuring the humour never feels forced.
Humour, Heart, and a Touch of Fantasy
The film blends comedy, emotion, and fantasy into a feel-good ride. At its core, Sarvam Maya explores themes of faith, identity, family, and letting go. While the supernatural elements serve more as emotional metaphors than shocking plot twists, they enrich the story’s exploration of self-discovery and belief.
Strengths and Shortcomings
- Strengths:
- Warm performances, especially Nivin Pauly back in his comfort zone.
- Riya Shibu shines in her debut, bringing warmth and humour to Delulu.
- Light-hearted tone with emotional depth, making it suitable for families and audiences of all ages.
- Shortcomings:
- The storyline follows a familiar arc, with few surprises.
- The climax feels rushed and predictable, with an emotional payoff that doesn’t fully match the build-up.
Still, at 2 hours and 26 minutes, Sarvam Maya manages to “illus-ionise” audiences, earning an impressive 8/10 rating from nearly 6,000 IMDb users.
Why It Resonates
The film’s gentle humour and emotional themes spark conversations about faith, identity, and the human experience. Delulu herself may symbolise unresolved emotions or unfinished business—a reminder that sometimes ghosts are mirrors of our own struggles.
Whether or not you believe in ghosts, Sarvam Maya invites you to suspend disbelief and simply enjoy the ride.
And truth be told—I found myself mesmerised by Delulu, the Gen Z ghost who makes life’s lemons taste a little sweeter.