Sarvam Maya - A Delulu story of connection

 Sarvam Maya

Malayalam - Comedy / Drama

146 mins

JioHotstar

Sarvam Maya is a breezy, light-hearted watch. It makes you smile, may even leave you a little light-eyed, ultimately reaffirming faith in the power of human connection.

Prabhendu Namboothiri (Nivin Pauly) is a guitarist born into a wealthy brahmin priest family in Kerala. Prabhendu (or Indu) shares a fractured relationship with his father following his mother’s death. While awaiting a breakthrough in his musical career, he reluctantly returns home and begins to assist his cousin, a priest, to earn some money on the side.

After an exorcism-like ritual, Prabhendu begins experiencing the presence of a young woman’s spirit. Visible only to him, the young woman (Riya Shibu) has no recollection of her identity, and they decide to call her “Delulu.” Once the initial fear and disbelief subside, an endearing bond develops between the two. The movie becomes a story about the discovery of Delulu’s identity and Indu’s acceptance of loss and love.

The supernatural comedy is well directed by Akhil Sathyan, who smoothly blends fantasy with a mellow, heartfelt story. The highlight of the film is the crackling and deeply endearing chemistry between Nivin Pauly and Riya Shibu. Delulu is one of the most refreshing and lovable characters in recent times. Riya Shibu is absolutely adorable. Her confident screen presence makes it feel as though she is not acting at all, but being herself.

After a prolonged slump, Sarvam Maya marks a welcome return to form for Nivin Pauly. An actor best suited to boy-next-door or performance-oriented roles, he is solid as Indu. The character allows him to demonstrate a full range of emotions. While many scenes are designed to spotlight Delulu, the sequence in which Indu explains his estrangement from his father and his journey toward atheism is superbly acted.

The music and background score by Justin Prabhakaran are pleasant throughout. The songs “Maayajalame” and “Puthu Mazha” are earworms. 

MHO, the film could also have worked without introducing another female lead, pretty as she is (Preity Mukhundan). I would have gladly traded the song toward the end and the track involving the druggie boys for more of Indu and Delulu.

The supporting cast plays their parts well, but Delulu is the heart of the film, and Indu its soul — together giving Sarvam Maya its quiet, lasting warmth.