You might think you have seen every kind of exorcist imaginable. From Father Lankester Merrin in the classic horror film 'The Exorcist' to Ed and Lorraine Warren from 'The Conjuring' series, the paranormal investigator archetype feels familiar. But a new deleted scene from the Malayalam movie 'Sarvam Maya' introduces a completely modern twist.
Online Exorcism Service During Pandemic
Director Akhil Sathyan recently shared this deleted scene on YouTube. It features actor Aju Varghese playing the character Roopesh Namboothiri. In the scene, Roopesh prepares for an online exorcism consultation with a client based in Canada.
The concept emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. When everything shifted to virtual platforms, why not exorcism services too? Roopesh, who also goes by the name Rupa, appears fully booked with appointments. He has a consultation scheduled for the day after tomorrow.
Strange Case From China
The client presents a particularly unusual case. He is a Keralite who traveled to China to study medicine. After encountering the dead body of an elderly man, he suddenly began speaking fluent Chinese. This paranormal occurrence prompted him to seek Roopesh's specialized services through digital means.
The YouTube caption provides additional context about the scene's placement in the film's narrative. It explains that after escaping from Delulu in the morning, the character Prabhendu visits Roopesh immediately following an appointment with psychiatrist Dr. Raphael.
Film's Successful Theatrical Run
'Sarvam Maya' continues to perform strongly in theaters, having completed twenty-five days of successful screenings. Directed by Akhil Sathyan, who is the son of veteran filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad, the film features Nivin Pauly, Aju Varghese, Riya Shibu, and Janardhanan in lead roles.
The story centers around Prabhendu, a priest who encounters an unconventional ghost. According to industry reports, the film is approaching the Rs 150 crore mark in worldwide box office collections.
Critical Reception
Times of India awarded the film 3.5 stars out of 5 in their review. The publication noted that 'Sarvam Maya' does not rely on complex narratives or deep philosophical meanings. Instead, its strength comes from straightforward storytelling.
The humor feels natural and gentle, consistently earning genuine laughter from audiences. Reviewers observed clear story evolution throughout the film, with small moments effectively advancing the plot. Character development happens subtly, and the filmmakers handle a potentially controversial subject with careful consideration.
The overall impression suggests a thoughtfully crafted production that resonates with viewers through its simplicity and warmth.
