Akhil Sathyan Announces New Rom-Com with Nivin Pauly After 'Sarvam Maya' Hits Box Office Milestone
Director Akhil Sathyan has exciting news for fans of Malayalam cinema. His latest film 'Sarvam Maya' continues its successful run in theatres, crossing a significant box office milestone. The film has now earned over Rs 125 crore in worldwide collections, according to official statements from the makers.
Director Reveals Plans for Next Project with Nivin Pauly
In a recent interview with The New Indian Express, Akhil Sathyan confirmed his intention to collaborate again with actor Nivin Pauly. The director plans to reunite with his 'Sarvam Maya' stars for a fresh cinematic venture. This new project will feature Nivin Pauly alongside actor Aju Varghese in prominent roles.
The upcoming film will be an urban romantic comedy targeting audiences who enjoy contemporary love stories. Akhil Sathyan described the concept as focusing on characters in their mid-thirties, drawing inspiration from popular Bollywood rom-coms. He specifically mentioned 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' as a reference point for the film's scale and appeal.
The director shared an amusing working title during the interview. "We're jokingly calling it Yeh Jawaani Aluva Deewani now," he revealed, showing his playful approach to the project's development.
Additional Cast Details and Parallel Projects
Akhil Sathyan confirmed that the rom-com will include several familiar faces from his previous work. Alongside Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese, the film will feature actor Althaf Salim in a supporting role. The director also mentioned plans to cast a prominent female actor, though he hasn't revealed specific names yet.
Meanwhile, the director is developing another exciting project alongside the rom-com. He revealed he's working on a detective thriller with a female lead, describing it as a fresh take on the Sherlock Holmes concept. "I'm also trying to revive an earlier project, a female-led take on Sherlock Holmes," Akhil Sathyan explained during the interview.
'Sarvam Maya' Continues to Impress Audiences and Critics
The announcement comes as 'Sarvam Maya' maintains strong performance in cinemas. The film features Nivin Pauly, Aju Varghese, and Riya Shibu in lead roles, telling the story of Prabhendu, an unconventional priest who encounters supernatural elements.
Critical reception has been largely positive for the film. Times of India awarded 'Sarvam Maya' a rating of 3.5 stars in their review. The publication praised the film's approach, noting its "organic and gentle humour" that generates genuine laughter from viewers.
Reviewers highlighted the film's narrative strengths, particularly its clear story evolution and careful character development. The Times of India review stated: "The film feels well thought out" and appreciated how it handles potentially sensitive subject matter with subtlety and respect.
Akhil Sathyan serves as both writer and director for 'Sarvam Maya', demonstrating his creative control over the project. The film's commercial success and critical appreciation have clearly inspired the director to plan his next collaboration with the same talented team.