Sarvam Maya director Akhil Sathyan hints that Bollywood director Shoojit Sircar, best known for Deepika Padukone’s film Piku, had bought Sandesam for a huge amount.

Last Updated: 02.56 PM, Jan 06, 2026
Sandesam is an iconic Malayalam film, penned by the legendary writer-actor-filmmaker Sreenivasan and helmed by the veteran Sathyan Anthikad. Recently, the director’s son Akhil Sathyan spoke about how the makers did not get much payment for the 1991 film. He also hinted that Bollywood director Shoojit Sircar, best known for Deepika Padukone’s film Piku, had bought it for a huge amount. Here’s what the Sarvam Maya director, Akhil Sathyan, said about Sandesam during the recent roundtable with Cineulagam.
Director Akhil Sathyan, whose latest film Sarvam Maya is running to packed houses, spoke about the golden era of Malayalam when filmmakers made movies for the love of it and not just money. Citing the example of Sandesam, Akhil said that his father did not get much money for the political satire, which continues to entertain people.

“The payment he got for Sandesam was lesser than what his co-director got at the time. And recently Piku director Shoojit Sir bought it for a huge amount. He (Sathyan Anthikad) was talking about the magic of cinema. He did not get that much money, still he was so happy for the film.. There are somethings that money can't buy in films,” Akhil Sathyan said during the roundtable.
Though Akhil Sathyan did not specify, it is being speculated that the Piku director bought the remake rights of the Malayalam film.
You can watch Sandesam, starring Sreenivasan and Jayaram as brothers in rival political parties, on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium. The 1991 Malayalam movie, penned by Sreenivasan, who passed away recently, is hailed as one of the best political satires, bringing out the political landscape in a hilarious yet thought-provoking tale. Sandesam dialogues have also attained a cult status, and often become fodder for online trolls and memes.
On the other hand, Akhil Sathyan’s movie Sarvam Maya stars Nivin Pauly in the lead role. The film, which also features Riya Shibu and Aju Varghese, has already crossed Rs 100 crore at the box office.
Also read: Sarvam Maya Review: Akhil Sathyan's film is more comedic than scary with a 'classic' Nivin Pauly
Q. Is sandesham a good movie?
A. Sandesham is one of the best Malayalam movies, showcasing the tale of two brothers who are part of rival political parties. Sreenivasan presents the differing ideologies and hypocrisy of two major political parties in the state through their tale.
Q. Where to watch Sandesam online?
A. You can watch Sandesam, penned by Sreenivasan and helmed by Sathyan Anthikad, on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium