'Sarvam Maya' is currently streaming on Jio Hotstar. Amid this, let's find out whether the Malayalam horror-fantasy film is based on a real-life incident.
Sarvam Maya, the Malayalam horror-fantasy film, has become the talk of the town. After a successful theatrical run, the film has also made its way to the OTT. The film, made on a budget of Rs. 30 crore, earned Rs. 149.07 crore worldwide. For the unversed, the horror-fantasy film, starring Nivin Pauly, Riya Shibu, Vineeth and Methil Devika, was released theatrically on December 25, 2025. Currently, the film is streaming on Jio Hotstar. Amid this, let’s find out whether the film is based on a real-life incident.
The film, Sarvam Maya, is helmed by Akhil Sathyan. In a recent interview with OTTplay, Akhil revealed that a part of the Malayalam horror-fantasy film has been inspired by a real-life incident. For the uninitiated, Sarvam Maya follows a ghost named 'Delulu' a.k.a 'Maya Mathew', whose soul finally gets free in the end. Akhil mentioned that the central emotional scene of Sarvam Maya, featuring 'Maya' and her brother bidding goodbye to the former, right before the doctor removing her life support, was based on a tragic real-life incident. He was quoted as saying:
"One of our close family friends experienced a similar situation, and a child was asked to decide on removing the life support of a victim in a coma. It is an unbearable pain. I will never forget that traumatic event, which motivated me to include it as the key emotive idea in Sarvam Maya."
In the same interview, Akhil shared that he is not good at writing overall fictitious stories. Thus, he takes inspiration from real-life events. He mentioned that his writing is influenced by certain incidents involving real-life people whom he has seen or met.
The story of Sarvam Maya revolves around 'Prabhendhu Nambhoothiri', who was born in a respected family in Kerala. While his parents wish to see him as a priest, he secretly aspires to be a singer. However, 'Prabhendhu' faces financial constraints and thus returns home, leaving his dream behind. Initially, 'Prabhendhu' used to do part-time priest duties along with his cousin. But, suddenly one night his life takes u-turn when he encounters a friendly ghost, whom he lovingly called 'Delulu'. Little did he know that 'Delulu' had a tragic past.
After 'Delulu' became part of 'Prabhendhu's' life, she started influencing him. She also encourages him and helps him to understand his feelings better. The duo becomes inseparable. Meanwhile, 'Prabhendhu' meets 'Saadhya' and falls in love with her. 'Delulu' gets to know about 'Prabhendhu's love for 'Saadhya' and starts teasing him. But there was something that 'Delulu' kept as a secret from 'Prabhendhu'. Later, she confesses her feelings to 'Prabhendhu'. She reveals her real identity to him and introduces herself as 'Maya Mathew', a junior of 'Prabhendhu', who had feelings for him before her untimely death.
In the same interview, Akhil Sathyan shared that he knew that the Malayalam horror-fantasy film, Sarvam Maya, would work well among the audience, but he was surprised by the blockbuster performance at the box office. Akhil mentioned that he and Nivin Pauly wanted Sarvam Maya to be a success. He explained how the film was made so that it works well. He was quoted as saying:
"Nivin and I both needed this movie to be successful. Sarvam Maya contains all the commercial elements needed for a family entertainer, including comedy, songs, and—above all—feel-good moments that are relevant to today's world without being over the top. Additionally, I insisted on using typical situations that sometimes show up as a villain rather than any brutal antagonist in the narrative."
What are your thoughts on Akhil Sathyan's revelation? Let us know.
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