Sarvam Maya Review: A Light-Hearted Ghost Story Powered by Humor and Heart

Intro

Sarvam Maya, written and directed by Akhil Sathyan, is a warm, fantasy-infused horror comedy that chooses comfort and honesty over spectacle. Instead of relying on loud scares or exaggerated drama, the film creates a gentle feel-good space where humor, emotions, and fantasy coexist naturally. With Nivin Pauly at the center, the film feels like a relaxed evening watch that slowly wins you over with its simplicity and charm.

Plot

The story revolves around Prabhendhu Namboothiri, born into a traditional Namboothiri family renowned for performing poojas across the world. Ironically, Prabhendhu is an atheist who loves music and feels disconnected from the rigid traditions of his family. Treated like an outsider, his only emotional anchor is his father’s elder brother. When financial difficulties force him to step into the family profession temporarily, his life takes an unexpected turn. During this phase, he encounters Maya, a ghost who is herself clueless about her new identity. What follows is a series of funny, awkward, and emotional moments that explore belief, fear, companionship, and acceptance in an unusual but grounded way.

Direction and Screenplay

Akhil Sathyan handles the fantasy element with restraint and maturity. The idea of a ghost who is just as scared and confused as humans is refreshing, and the director smartly builds humor out of everyday practicality rather than gimmicks. The screenplay keeps the story small and personal, and while some emotional portions feel slightly forced compared to the subtle humor, the film never loses its sincerity. The humor is evenly spread throughout the narrative, ensuring the film remains engaging from start to finish.

Performances

The biggest strength of Sarvam Maya is undoubtedly Nivin Pauly in his comfort zone. His comic timing, body language, and effortless expressions instantly bring back the joy of watching him in light-hearted entertainers. There’s an ease in his performance that makes Prabhendhu feel real and relatable. Just seeing Nivin enjoy himself on screen adds a positive energy to the film, making many scenes land purely because of his presence.

The reunion of Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese is another major highlight. Their chemistry feels familiar yet slightly evolved, and the comfort between them translates well on screen. The humor between the two doesn’t feel forced, and their scenes together deliver consistent laughs, reminding audiences why this duo has always worked so well.

Riya Shibu makes a confident Malayalam debut as Maya. Her relaxed, modern energy suits the character perfectly, and she brings an effortless charm to the role. Aju Varghese and Raghunath Paleri also leave a strong impression, supporting the narrative with natural performances that blend seamlessly with the film’s tone.

Veterans like Janardhanan, along with Vineeth, Preity Mukhundhan, Arun Ajikumar, Madhu Wariar, Methil Devika, Jaya Kurup, Vijilesh, Vijeesh, and others, add depth to the world of Sarvam Maya.

Technical Side

Sharan Velayudhan’s cinematography captures the grounded setting beautifully, while Justin Prabhakaran’s music and background score elevate the mood without overpowering scenes. Akhil Sathyan’s editing keeps the narrative crisp, and the use of sync sound adds a layer of realism to this fantasy tale.

Final Verdict

Sarvam Maya is a simple, honest, feel-good fantasy film that works largely due to its humor, performances, and sincerity. It may not aim for grand thrills, but it delivers warmth, laughter, and a comforting cinematic experience, making it a pleasant watch for audiences seeking something light yet meaningful.