In a spectacular career turnaround, actor Nivin Pauly has delivered a massive blockbuster with the horror comedy Sarvam Maya. The film has not only recovered its production cost multiple times over but has also secured a historic position in Malayalam cinema by entering the coveted Rs 100 crore club. This marks the first time a film headlined by Nivin Pauly has achieved this financial milestone.
A Majestic Comeback for Nivin Pauly
After facing a series of critical and commercial setbacks in recent years, Nivin Pauly has staged a powerful comeback. Directed by Akhil Sathyan, Sarvam Maya features a strong ensemble cast including Riya Shibu, Aju Varghese, Janardhanan, and Preity Mukhundhan. The film's success underscores the actor's enduring popularity and the audience's unwavering support. According to reports from January 5, 2026, the film's triumph has been a significant personal and professional victory for Pauly, who expressed deep gratitude to his fans for standing by him during challenging times.
Breaking Down the Box Office Numbers
Mounted on a reported budget of approximately Rs 30 crore, Sarvam Maya has achieved an extraordinary return on investment. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the film's worldwide collection has soared to Rs 109.65 crore. It officially joined the Rs 100 crore club on January 4, 2026, just 10 days after its release, making it the fifth fastest Malayalam movie to reach this mark.
On its 11th day in theatres, a Sunday, the film added Rs 5.75 crore to its India nett collection, pushing its domestic total past the Rs 50 crore mark. As of 4 PM on Monday, January 5, its total India nett stood at Rs 51.1 crore. The film has also performed exceptionally well in international markets, grossing an estimated Rs 50 crore overseas. With these figures, Sarvam Maya ranks as the fourth highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2025, surpassing other major releases like Mammootty's Kalamkaval.
Significance and Actor's Emotional Response
This success is particularly notable as it is Nivin Pauly's first proper box-office hit as a lead since the 2019 film Love Action Drama. While he appeared in the 2024 superhit Varshangalkku Shesham, his role was an extended cameo. The monumental response to Sarvam Maya has solidified his position as a bankable star.
During a visit to a theatre in Kochi, an emotional Nivin Pauly thanked the audience, comparing their support to divine intervention. He stated that the film was made for family audiences and that the overwhelming reception was beyond his expectations. "Whenever problems come, we call upon God. Then we get an answer. In my career, during many difficulties and challenges, the audience stood by me like God," he was quoted as saying by Mathrubhumi. He pledged his commitment to continue making films for his supporters, promising not to let them down again.
The journey of Sarvam Maya from a Rs 30 crore investment to a Rs 100+ crore grosser is a testament to strategic filmmaking, audience connection, and Nivin Pauly's resilient star power. It has set a new benchmark in his career and added a significant title to the list of Malayalam cinema's biggest commercial successes.
