‘Sarvam Maya’ star Riya Shibu says kids now call her the ‘Delulu chechi’

Anyone who has watched the recent Malayalam horror comedy ‘Sarvam Maya’ starring Nivin Pauly, Riya Shibu, and Aju Varghese is likely to have developed a soft spot for its Gen Z ghost. Akhil Sathyan’s directorial has not only caught the attention of the younger generation but has also struck a chord with audiences across age groups.

Riya Shibu, who plays the endearing ghost named Delulu aka Maya in ‘Sarvam Maya’, has opened up about the appreciation and love she received for the role. Talking to the Hollywood Reporter, she said, “Before Sarvam..., there was appreciation and love I got on Instagram. But that's nothing like the love you get after a movie, especially a movie loved by families.”

The kids now call her the ‘Delulu chechi’. “For kids, I've become their Delulu chechi. And on the other hand, there were so many aunties and uncles as old as my grandparents who came up, held my hand, and spoke to me by calling me mole (daughter). I feel like my grandmom would have been so happy to see all this today," she added.

Everything you should know about ‘Sarvam Maya’

Helmed by Akhil Sathyan, the son of veteran filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad, ‘Sarvam Maya’ revolves around a musician-turned-priest, Prabhendu, who encounters an unconventional ghost when an exorcism goes wrong.

TOI ranked the film 3.5 out of 5, and the review reads, “Sarvam Maya is indulgent and lingering. Nivin Pauly—dare it be said—is back in his element. Clearly, what he needed was a director who knew how to use his strengths well. Riya Shibu is phenomenal as the ghost, bringing an unbelievable level of adorability to the character. She carries the film alongside Nivin.”

The film is now streaming on Jio Hotstar, after its successful run in the theatres.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”