Sarvam Maya review: Nivin Pauly’s ghost story is unique, full of charm
Sarvam Maya Movie Review: Director Akhil Sathyan’s horror comedy, starring Nivin Pauly, Rhea Shibu and Aju Varghese, feels like a warm hug on a cold night. With fantasy elements, the film highlights the feelings of faith, belief, sorrow and happiness.
all love It translates to “Everything is an illusion,” and it’s probably the perfect title for the Nivin Pauly-starrer that is a mix of horror, comedy and fantasy. Releasing on Christmas, this film is an antidote to all those extra-violent, hyper-masculine films that rely on excessive theatrics. But, all love Makes you laugh out loud despite dealing with sensitive topics like faith, belief and grief.
Prabhendu (Nivin Pauly) is a struggling musician, who declares that he is an atheist. As he loses a potential overseas opportunity, he is forced to move back to his hometown, where he has to share his home with his father, whom he barely speaks to, and his uncle. To make some quick money, he resorts to becoming a priest, following in the footsteps of his father and elder brother, despite being an unbeliever.
As soon as he makes a deal with his cousin Rupesh (Aju Varghese), he starts earning money and also records music for low-budget programs. One day, he is asked to perform an exorcism at a client’s house, which lands him in trouble. He is followed by a spirit, whom he names Delulu (Ria Shibu). The good soul does not remember anything about him. all love It is about how the soul and Prabhendu heal each other.
Director Akhil Satyan’s Sarvam Maya utilizes the typical style of a horror comedy. But, it also flips the script by having a friendly ghost help the hero. Although the idea itself is not new, all love What really stands out is how it treats its characters by including genuinely funny moments. The first half of the film is based on the great chemistry between Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese. Every scene with this chaotic duo works because of the innocence and comedy they sell through their performance.
At its core, all love There’s a movie about closing. Prabhendu is an atheist who is burdened by the unresolved trauma of his mother’s death, which has strained his relationship with his father. Even after decades, their relationship remains strained as they do not talk about it. Similarly, Delulu is now a spirit roaming around Prabhendu as he cannot remember who he is and why he became a ghost. When two souls who do not have solutions in their lives meet each other and help each other heal, you get all love,
Take, for example, the scene where Prabhendu, with great hesitation, goes to his father’s room to check something after many decades. He is shocked to see his ailing father, who goes on with life the only way he knows how. It took years for them to finally understand the unspoken dynamics of their relationship.
It’s a joy to watch Nivin Pauly do what he does best. From his small expressions to his comic timing, he plays his role with ease. Rhea Shibu impresses as the innocent, kind-hearted ghost, while Aju Varghese takes the cake with his expressions and sharp one-liners whenever he comes on screen.
Justin Prabhakaran’s background music matches the mood of the film. However, the songs are barely memorable. Sharath Velayudhan’s cinematography presents the beauty of Kerala in all its glory. The film could have benefited from a little trimming.
all love A complete film made with a lot of heart. The pace of the film may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but all love This is a film that deserves as much love as it gives.
