December 25, 2025 — Kochi / Thiruvananthapuram — The Malayalam film Sarvam Maya — starring Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese — premiered in theatres on Christmas Day, and early audience reactions on social media indicate a warm welcome for the horror-comedy’s first half. Viewers are responding positively to the lead pairing and the film’s blend of humour, emotion and fantasy elements.
Directed by Akhil Sathyan, Sarvam Maya combines supernatural themes with light-hearted comedy, centering on a priest whose life changes after encountering a ghost. The film’s tone mixes moments of fear with heartfelt humour and emotional depth, sparking early buzz ahead of its full theatrical run during one of the year’s most competitive holiday periods.
Positive First Impressions on Social Media
Early Twitter reactions have focused especially on the chemistry between Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese, with many fans praising their interactions and comic timing in the first half of the film. Viewers noted how the duo’s on-screen rapport enhances the entertainment value, making several sequences stand out.
Some social media posts describe the first half as engaging and emotionally resonant, particularly highlighting the music and background score for strengthening key scenes. Fans also appreciated how the narrative weaves in elements of belief and grief alongside humour, adding layers to what might otherwise have been a straightforward genre piece.
Netizens have even referred to Sarvam Maya as a “comeback film” for Nivin Pauly, celebrating his performance and the refreshing tone of the project after several quieter years in his filmography. Comments on social platforms emphasize the palpable chemistry of the lead pair and the charm brought by the supporting cast.
Box Office Interest and Holiday Timing
Advance booking figures ahead of release were also encouraging, with pre-sales in Kerala reportedly crossing the ₹60 lakh mark by the day before launch. Analysts see this as a positive sign, particularly given the strong competition from other high-profile Malayalam films releasing during the festive season.
The Christmas release window is traditionally a significant period for Malayalam cinema, drawing families and holiday-time crowds to theatres. Sarvam Maya is positioned to appeal to both general audiences and fans of genre fare, combining relatable character moments with supernatural intrigue in a way that many viewers find refreshing.
Cast, Crew and Creative Context
Written and directed by Akhil Sathyan, the film features performances from a talented ensemble, including Preity Mukhundhan in her Malayalam debut as Saadhya, alongside Riya Shibu, Janardhanan, Madhu Warrier and others in key roles.
Akhil’s decision to cast Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese together has paid off in audience reception, with many appreciating the comedic chemistry that underpins much of the film’s first half. The director and Pauly have spoken about their shared enthusiasm for combining humour with supernatural elements, aiming for a film that entertains across age groups.
The soundtrack — including contributions from popular singer-filmmaker Vineeth Sreenivasan — also adds to the film’s feel-good vibe, balancing musical charm with emotive undertones that complement the supernatural narrative.
Audience and Critic Reactions So Far
While early reactions skew positive for the first half, many viewers — both on Twitter and Reddit forums — are approaching the complete film with cautious optimism, noting that the second half will be crucial in determining overall reception. Some have called it a “family-friendly entertainer”, highlighting its wholesome and heartwarming appeal.
On Reddit, discussions underline a sense that Sarvam Maya feels like a return to form for fans eager to see Nivin Pauly in a role that blends fun, emotion and charm — a mix that has defined some of his most beloved earlier performances.
Looking Ahead
With the film now in theatres, box office momentum and word-of-mouth will play key roles in shaping its overall success. Sarvam Maya faces stiff competition during the holiday release slate, but early buzz suggests it has the potential to stand out for its unique tone and strong lead performances.
As audiences continue to share reactions, the coming days will reveal whether the positive early talks convert into sustained box office traction and long-term appreciation among Malayalam cinema fans.
