Review of Sarvam Maya – A Comforting Fantasy Cinema Experience
Directed by Akhil Sathyan, the film Sarvam Maya offers a unique blend of warmth and gentle humor, fitting seamlessly into the tradition of Malayalam comfort cinema. Starring Nivin Pauly, Riya Shibu, Aju Varghese, Janardhanan, and Preity Mukhundhan, the narrative revolves around a musician dealing with family obligations and personal grief, who finds himself partnered with an unexpected supernatural companion.
Nivin Pauly portrays Prabhendu, an atheist from a family of orthodox priests, creating a compelling contradiction that the film navigates delicately. The engaging supernatural element is introduced not through horror or suspense but rather confusion; the ghost he encounters is disoriented about her former life. This supernatural aspect serves more as an emotional metaphor than a source of intimidation, representing unresolved conversations that linger in Prabhendu’s life.
Riya Shibu’s portrayal of the ghost is notable for its warmth and a lighthearted quality that invites connection with the audience. The chemistry between her character and Nivin Pauly’s is built on gentleness, evolving into companionship. This reflects a broader theme in Sathyan’s storytelling style, where the female character serves as a transformative force, encouraging the protagonist to confront buried grief and trauma related to his mother’s death.
Nivin Pauly’s performance is central to the film’s effectiveness. Operating within a familiar range, he delivers humor with ease, often playfully undermining his character’s seriousness. His recent projects, including the JioHotstar web series Pharma (2025), have seen renewed audience interest, affirming his status as a beloved figure in contemporary Malayalam cinema.
The screenplay prioritizes comfort over conflict and succeeds in this approach for the most part. The camaraderie between Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese draws on traditional Malayalam film partnerships, though not every comedic detour feels essential to the plot. Cinematographer Sharath Velayudhan opts for simple, natural visuals, while Justin Prabhakaran’s background score enhances the film without overpowering it.
Ultimately, Sarvam Maya aligns with its title, exploring the nuances of life, faith, and fear as transient concepts shaped by time and perspective. The film emphasizes the comfort that comes from being understood and the bravery needed to articulate one’s feelings. While the film may have predictable moments, it stands out for its commitment to providing closure for its characters, ensuring that resolutions, no matter how simplistic, are achieved.
The review originally appeared in Maktoob Media.
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