Sarvam Maya | Theatre Review | Nivin Pauly | Aju Varghese

Movie Review : Sarvam Maya (Malayalam)

Released in theatres on Christmas Day, Sarvam Maya arrives as a refreshing blend of fantasy, horror, comedy, and emotion. Headlined by Nivin Pauly, the film marks a confident return to form for the actor and has quickly become a talking point among moviegoers.Directed by Akhil Sathyan, the film doesn’t rely on loud scares or forced comedy. Instead, it unfolds gently, allowing its characters and emotions to breathe. Audience reactions from theatres suggest a wholesome experience many viewers say the film made them laugh, choke up, and leave with a warm, uplifted feeling.

At the heart of the story is Prabhendhu Namboothiri, a young Hindu priest living a quiet, disciplined life inside his ancestral home. His days revolve around rituals, silence, and solitude. This carefully structured world is turned upside down when he encounters a ghost an unexpected presence that disrupts his routine in amusing and meaningful ways. What begins as a quirky interaction slowly evolves into a deeper journey of self-discovery, touching on faith, loneliness, and personal identity.

One of the film’s biggest strengths is its simplicity. The narrative avoids unnecessary complexity and instead focuses on neat character arcs and emotional honesty. The chemistry between Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese stands out, with their combination adding both humor and heart. Several viewers have praised the ghost character as surprisingly endearing rather than frightening, making the film accessible even to those not fond of horror.

Performance wise, Nivin Pauly delivers a restrained yet impactful act, with many fans calling this his strongest performance in nearly a decade. The supporting cast including Riya Shibu, Janardhanan, Preity Mukhundhan, Arun Ajikumar, Raghunath Paleri, and Madhu Wariar adds depth without overpowering the narrative.Technically, the film scores well. Justin Prabhakaran’s music and background score enhance the emotional beats, while Sharan Velayudhan’s visuals beautifully capture the eerie calm of the ancestral setting. Produced by Ajaya Kumar and Rajeev Menon under Firefly Films, Sarvam Maya feels polished yet intimate.

Final Verdict
Sarvam Maya is not just a horror – comedy it’s a thoughtful, feel-good theatrical experience that balances laughter, emotion, and philosophy with ease. With strong word of mouth and a festive release advantage, the film stands out as a Christmas treat that leaves audiences smiling long after the lights come back on.

What’s Next for Nivin Pauly
Looking ahead, Nivin Pauly has an interesting lineup. He has completed shooting for an upcoming political thriller directed by B Unnikrishnan and will also be seen in films like Dear Students (with Nayanthara), Baby Girl, Action Hero Biju 2, and Multiverse Manmadhan. Adding another exciting twist, he is set to appear as the main antagonist in Benz, starring Raghava Lawrence.