Sarvam Maya
23ms
Get ready for a cinematic journey that will make you question reality itself! Introducing "Sarvam Maya," the 2025 Indian Malayalam-language horror comedy fantasy film that's already captivating audiences worldwide. Directed by the visionary Akhil Sathyan and produced by Firefly Films, this is a story that blends the supernatural with the hilarious, all while touching your heart.
Prepare to be enchanted by the incredible performances of Nivin Pauly as the charismatic Prabhendhu Namboothiri, Riya Shibu as the mysterious Maya, the ghost, and the ever-brilliant Aju Varghese as Prabhendu's cousin, Roopesh Namboothiri. They're joined by the legendary Janardhanan as Prahladan Namboothiri and the captivating Preity Mukhundhan as Saadhya.
"Sarvam Maya" wasn't just released; it exploded onto the global stage on December 25th, 2025, as a perfect Christmas treat. And the critics? They're raving! Praised for its feel-good fantasy, heartwarming "ghost-as-angel" narrative, and a charm that Nivin Pauly has truly reclaimed, this film is a must-watch. Critics are calling it a wholesome film with a lot of heart, a decent choice for those seeking light chills, gentle laughs, and a touch of introspection. It’s a restrained blend of belief and anxiety, focusing on atmosphere and performances over cheap scares.
The film's development began with a collaboration between Nivin Pauly and director Akhil Sathyan, building on Sathyan's successful debut. The title, "Sarvam Maya," meaning "Everything is a Delusion," was officially announced in July 2025, with principal photography taking place throughout the year, wrapping up by November.
The cast is a powerhouse, featuring Arun Ajikumar, Raghunath Paleri, Madhu Wariar, Vineeth, Methil Devika, Jaya Kurup, Althaf Salim, Reshmi Boban, and even a special cameo appearance by Alphonse Puthren as Dr. Rafael and Priya Prakash Varrier as a flight passenger.
"Sarvam Maya" is a modest fantasy that trusts in its character dynamics and situational humor, offering a unique experience that's perfect for the holiday season and beyond. Don't miss out on this spellbinding film that promises to be a delightful blend of laughter, thrills, and a touch of the extraordinary.
Sarvam Maya (transl. Everything is a Delusion) is a 2025 Indian Malayalam-language horror comedy fantasy film written and directed by Akhil Sathyan. Produced by Firefly Films, the film stars Nivin Pauly, Riya Shibu, Aju Varghese, Janardhanan in lead roles, alongside Preity Mukhundhan.
Sarvam Maya released worldwide on 25 December 2025 in theatres. The film received generally positive reviews from critics.
== Cast ==
Nivin Pauly as Prabhendhu Namboothiri
Riya Shibu as Maya, The Ghost
Aju Varghese as Roopesh Namboothiri, Prabhendu's cousin
Janardhanan as Prahladan Namboothiri, Prabhendu's elder uncle (paternal)
Preity Mukhundhan as Saadhya
Arun Ajikumar as Sreerag
Raghunath Paleri as Neelakandan Namboothiri, Prabhendhu's Father
Madhu Wariar as Deepankuran Namboothiri (Deepu), Prabhendhu's elder brother
Vineeth as Vinod Mathew Manjooran
Methil Devika as Annie
Jaya Kurup as Roopesh's mother
Althaf Salim as Delivery boy
Reshmi Boban as Avinash's mother
Alphonse Puthren as Dr. Rafael (Cameo Appearance)
Priya Prakash Varrier as Flight passenger (Cameo Appearance)
== Production ==
=== Development ===
In December 2023, Nivin Pauly announced he was collaborating with director Akhil Sathyan for the latter's sophomore directorial. Sathyan's debut film, Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum (2023), was initially set to feature Nivin as the lead actor before he was replaced with Fahadh Faasil. Sathyan confirmed the project the following May. The official title, Sarvam Maya, was announced in July 2025.
The theatrical release date poster was revealed on 20 November 2025. Principal photography took place through 2025. Filming had wrapped by November 2025.
== Release ==
Sarvam Maya was released on 25 December 2025 as a Christmas release.
== Reception ==
Sajin Shrijith of The Week gave 4/5 stars and wrote "The film marks the triumphant return of Nivin Pauly to his beloved charming persona in a feel-good fantasy directed by Akhil Sathyan, who presents a heartwarming 'ghost-as-angel' story, perfect for the holiday season" Gayathiri Krishna of OTTplay gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese are portrayed in Akhil Sathyan's film in a way that appeals to Malayalis. Additionally, Riya Shibu is a real find." Janani K of India Today gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Sarvam Maya is a wholesome film with a lot of heart. The pace of the film may not be everyone's cup of tea, but Sarvam Maya is a film that deserves to receive as much love as it gives." Risha Ganguly of Times Now gave 3/5 stars and wrote "For viewers looking for a festive release that offers light chills, gentle laughs and introspection, Sarvam Maya proves to be a decent choice."
Onmanorama termed it a modest fantasy that relies on character dynamics and situational humour rather than melodrama. Zoom TV wrote that the film offers a restrained blend of belief and anxiety, focusing more on atmosphere and performances than conventional scares.
== References ==
== External links ==
Sarvam Maya at IMDb
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