Sarvam Maya: 'Is Nivin Pauly's Prabhendu the real lover of Delulu?' director Akhil Sathyan finally gives an answer | Exclusive

Sarvam Maya on OTT - The film's director, Akhil Sathyan, discussed some of the film's unresolved plot points as well as the challenges in filmmaking in present times in an interview with OTTplay.

Akhil Sathyan with Riya Shibu on the sets of Sarvam Maya

Sarvam Maya, a recent Malayalam film, has received great reviews on social media since its online premiere on JioHotstar and OTTplay Premium. The film's director, Akhil Sathyan, discussed some of the film's unresolved plot points as well as the challenges in filmmaking in present times in an interview with OTTplay.

Sarvam Maya director Akhil Sathyan Interview

Many people are curious about Delulu's lover, who isn't established in the film. Was leaving that part open-ended a deliberate decision?

Yes, that was an intentional move! At first, I thought I could create a subplot on it. However, when I discussed the story with my father, Sathyan Anthikad, on the sets of Hridayapoorvam, he advised me that it is better to leave it to the audience, and it actually worked, right? The audience became more impacted in this manner. Dulquer Salmaan is the person I would have chosen to play this lover, if you ask me! (laughing). Isn't it possible to visualise anyone in that role?

Additionally, a lot of posts on social media are speculating about this lover's identity. Did you see any of these posts?

Indeed, I did see a post revealing that Prabhendu is indeed the person who Delulu falls in love. The thread starts when Delulu discovers his music at some point and becomes a fan later attempting to get in touch with him online. He didn't show up to meet her in person when she proposed, acting detached since he was afraid to commit or trust anyone. He refrains from learning about what happened to her later, though, and he meets her ghost, who transforms his life. This was a thought-provoking perspective!

In the meantime, I'm also seeing posts that speculate that Delulu is in Prabhendu's imagination and doesn't actually exist. I enjoy reading all of these conversations online because they make me think about all of the alternative possibilities.

The film's feel-good elements are receiving a lot of attention. How did the writing process go for you?

Actually, it's easy since I'm not particularly skilled at creating wholly made-up stories. The premise for such a film, in my opinion, is straightforward, yet its emotional layers serve as its primary fulcrum. Instead of villains, Sarvam Maya depicts everyday situations that pose hardships for everyone. I was confident that the film's climax and all of the simple, humorous moments throughout the narrative would resonate with viewers. These moments were sparked by some casual conversations I've had at some point of my life. Nothing, in my opinion, has a greater impact than an emotional component in a movie.

Also Read: Sarvam Maya star Aju Varghese: 'Comparing us with Mohanlal & Sreenivasan is somewhat wrong' | Exclusive

Has burden of expectations ever stressed you out at any point of time?

When I first began assisting my father in his films, I experienced tension. However, it gradually vanished later. I came to the conclusion that worrying about it is pointless. Being in my father's films has undoubtedly taught me a lot. For example, his directing technique and the way he approaches a story. Many people do claim that my brother and I both have a hint of his style of filmmaking. However, we believe we are attempting to replicate the formula in a way that is relevant to the current era. It's more like a modern take on family entertainers!

Your father's filmography includes back-to-back hits in a single year. These days, it is quite difficult for a film to succeed at the box office or work well among the audience. What, in your opinion, has evolved throughout time?

I've heard that my father used to work on about seven films a year because the shootings then took a minimum of eighteen days. The technical aspects were not as advanced back then, but things have since changed. With the advent of OTT, our access to movies has changed, therefore the challenges of a filmmaker is no longer the same as the previous times. There are a lot of stories being told, and our task is to showcase one that stands out among these. Considering the cast, dates, settings, and other factors, bringing a film to pre-production and production takes at least six months. Nowadays, it takes a long time for a movie to come together and be released in theatres.

Which of your father's films or character would you choose to adapt or revive?

Since his works are so brilliant, I think it is usually best to avoid touching them! However, I think there is a lot of room for the protagonist of his 1990 movie, Kalikkalam, to return. He is a burglar with multiple names, but no one ever knows who he is or what his story is. Everyone praises my father's movies with Mohanlal Sir, but I think the films he made with Mammootty Sir, Kalikkalam and Artham, are just as good because he adopted a new style deviating from his usual formula.

Also Read: Sarvam Maya star Riya Shibu: 'Nivin Pauly is a real 'pookie' off screen which helped...' | Exclusive

Sarvam Maya OTT FAQs

Q. When will Sarvam Maya release online?

A. Sarvam Maya starring Nivin Pauly, is streaming on JioHotstar and OTTplay Premium.

Q. Who is playing Delulu in Sarvam Maya?

A. Riya Shibu, who is a film producer and social media influencer, is playing Delulu in Sarvam Maya. She is also the sister of actor Hridhu Haroon, who is known for his performances in Dude, Mura and All We Imagine As Light.

Q. Is Prabhendhu Delulu's real lover?

A. Although it is uncertain if this confirmation is real or not, it is evident that the creators intended to provide closure to both Prabhendhu and Maya's mother by the former revealing he is to her mother.

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