Nivin Pauly's latest cinematic outing, Sarvam Maya, attempts to blend gentle humour with supernatural elements but ultimately delivers a viewing experience that feels more ordinary than extraordinary. Directed by Akhil Sathyan, the film has been released to mixed reactions, with our review settling on a rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars.
A Simple Plot with Familiar Beats
The story centres on Prabhendhu, portrayed by Nivin Pauly, a talented guitarist estranged from his affluent family. Forced by circumstances to return to his ancestral home, he must live under the roof of his father, a renowned priest named Neelakandan Namboothiri (Raghunath Paleri). To make ends meet while chasing his musical dreams, the self-proclaimed atheist Prabhendhu reluctantly becomes an assistant to his cousin, priest Roopesh (Aju Varghese).
The plot takes a supernatural turn when Prabhendhu is tasked with performing an exorcism. He successfully completes the ritual, but an unexpected consequence follows: a ghost attaches itself to him. However, this spirit, played by Riya Shibu, is far from the terrifying yakshis of Malayalam cinema lore. Nicknamed Delulu by Prabhendhu, she is easily frightened and suffers from amnesia. What begins with fear slowly evolves into an unusual friendship, becoming a source of comfort for the lonely protagonist.
Where the Film Stumbles and Falls Short
While the premise holds promise, the execution leaves much to be desired. The primary issue lies in the film's stubborn refusal to explore its narrative potential. Director Akhil Sathyan seems adamant about maintaining a light, breezy tone, even in moments that could have benefited from more chaos or emotional depth. This results in a film that feels consistently watered down.
The comedy, a crucial element for a horror-comedy, often falls flat. Dialogues lack polish and wit, with many jokes feeling recycled or overly familiar. Critics have pointed out that some gags appear to be lifted directly from the director's previous work, Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum (2023).
Character development is another significant weakness. Beyond Prabhendhu, most characters are thinly sketched. Roopesh (Aju Varghese) and Vallyachan (Janardhanan) contribute little to the narrative's progression. The romantic interest, Saadhya (Preity Mukhundhan), is arguably the most underutilised character, serving almost no purpose in advancing the plot or the protagonist's arc.
Performances and Technical Aspects
Nivin Pauly delivers a competent performance, effortlessly fitting into the ordinary surroundings of his character's world. His natural charm is a highlight, though the film occasionally tries to force a return to his "vintage" comedic style, which he wisely sidesteps with a more mature approach.
Unfortunately, the chemistry between Nivin Pauly and Riya Shibu, crucial for the central human-ghost relationship, is lacking. Riya's performance as Delulu feels forced, with attempts to make her appear endearing coming across as unnatural. On the technical front, composer Justin Prabhakaran's music fails to elevate the film's emotional moments, while Sharan Velayudhan's cinematography provides visual coolness that the script lacks in substance.
Final Verdict: A Missed Opportunity
Sarvam Maya is a film with a clear target audience: viewers seeking a simple, stress-free escape with a few light laughs. For them, it might suffice. However, for anyone expecting a memorable horror-comedy with well-crafted jokes, compelling characters, or a meaningful exploration of its supernatural theme, the film is a disappointment. It never utilises its full potential, leaving audiences with a sense of what could have been rather than what is.
The film's cast also includes Madhu Warrier, Althaf Salim, and Anand Ekarshi in supporting roles. Sarvam Maya is now playing in theatres, but it may be one to wait for on a digital platform unless you are a die-hard Nivin Pauly fan content with a very undemanding watch.
