Old remarks by actor and director Dhyan Sreenivasan, lauding the comic genius of fellow star Nivin Pauly, have found a fresh wave of attention on social media. This resurgence comes hot on the heels of the positive audience response to Pauly's latest release, 'Sarvam Maya', which hit theatres on Thursday.
"No One Handles Humour Like Nivin": Dhyan's Resurfaced Praise
The comments, originally made in an interview with Ginger Media Entertainments for Mathrubhumi.com, have been widely shared online. In it, Dhyan Sreenivasan placed Nivin Pauly among the elite humour-driven performers in contemporary mainstream Malayalam cinema. "One of the mainstream actors who handle humour like no one else is Nivin, after Mohanlal and Dileep. Only he is able to do that now. There is no one like him," Dhyan stated emphatically.
He further credited the blockbuster 'Premam' with significantly elevating the national visibility of Malayalam films, suggesting that the industry's pan-India reach truly began with that iconic movie.
On-Screen Chemistry and Trendsetting Impact
Reflecting on his directorial venture 'Love Action Drama' (2019), Dhyan highlighted the effortless and hilarious chemistry between Nivin Pauly and actor Aju Varghese. He called their comic timing unmatched and noted that Nivin's relatable gestures and boy-next-door charm endure with audiences, regardless of gaps between his film releases.
Dhyan also pointed to Nivin Pauly's substantial influence on popular culture, specifically the beard style the actor popularised in 'Premam'. He observed that this look became a widespread trend among actors across South India post-2015, firmly establishing Pauly as a trendsetter. While acknowledging his versatility, Dhyan maintained that humour remains Nivin Pauly's strongest suit.
'Sarvam Maya' Receives Warm Audience Welcome
Directed by Akhil Sathyan, son of veteran filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad, 'Sarvam Maya' has opened to favourable word-of-mouth. Viewers have taken to social media to praise the film's performances, humour, and music. Many see it as a strong return to form for Nivin Pauly.
Fans have particularly enjoyed the renewed comic pairing of Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese. One enthusiastic viewer commented online, "I think this could be one of the most enjoyable Nivin Pauly films I have seen since 'Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela'."
The film's technical team has also earned applause. The music by Justin Prabhakaran, cinematography by Sharan Velayudhan Nair, and the art direction by veteran Rajeevan have been specifically highlighted. Priety Mukhundan stars as the female lead.
A Continued Collaborative Journey
The professional relationship between Dhyan Sreenivasan and Nivin Pauly is a longstanding one in Mollywood. Their collaborations span multiple projects, including 'Love Action Drama' (2019), 'Malayalam from India' (2024), and 'Varshangalkku Shesham' (2024). This continued partnership underscores a successful creative synergy within the Malayalam film industry. Akhil Sathyan, prior to 'Sarvam Maya', directed 'Paachuvum Albhuthavilakkum' starring Fahadh Faasil.
