In the vibrant world of Malayalam cinema, few debuts have sparked as much excitement as Riya Shibu's portrayal of Delulu in the hit film Sarvam Maya. Released during Christmas 2025, this supernatural comedy marked Nivin Pauly's much-anticipated comeback and introduced audiences to a fresh face who's quickly becoming a household name. At just 21, Riya brings a bubbly, relatable energy to the screen, playing a quirky Gen Z ghost who shakes up the life of a young Hindu priest. Directed by Akhil Sathyan, the movie blends humor, fantasy, and heartwarming moments, earning rave reviews and strong box office numbers in its early weeks.

The Quirky Casting Story That Started It All

Riya's journey to landing the role of Delulu was anything but conventional. Director Akhil Sathyan, son of veteran filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad, stumbled upon her while she was promoting her production venture Mura. In that interview, Riya effortlessly switched between English and Malayalam, showcasing a playful, youthful vibe that caught Akhil's eye. He reached out to her father, producer Shibu Thameens, and arranged a casual cafe meet-up that doubled as an informal look test. Riya recalls being instantly hooked when Akhil pitched the idea of a ghost-fantasy story starring Nivin Pauly. "I was thrilled the moment I heard ghost, fantasy, and Nivin Pauly," she shared in a recent chat. Despite initial self-doubts, Akhil's confidence in her sealed the deal, encouraging her to channel her real-life traits—like her love for K-pop and online shopping—into the character.

Bringing Delulu to Life on Set

Playing Delulu, a friendly spirit obsessed with slang and social media, felt like second nature to Riya. The role mirrored her own Gen Z quirks, from changing WhatsApp DPs to spouting trendy lingo. On set, Akhil created a relaxed atmosphere, advising her to "be yourself" and avoid overthinking lines. Nivin Pauly, her co-star, played a big brotherly role, sharing stories to ease her nerves during tough scenes like the classical dance in "Chiri Thottu." Spontaneous moments, such as her ad-libbed line "Thanutha Kattu" from Oru Vadakkan Selfie, became viral highlights, thanks to Nivin's genuine laughter keeping it in the final cut. Riya's natural charm shone through, making Delulu not just a ghost, but a lovable companion who helps Nivin's character rediscover joy.

Rising Stardom and Overnight Fame

What began as a fun project exploded into stardom for Riya post-release. Sarvam Maya has been hailed as a feel-good entertainer, with her performance earning widespread praise for its subtlety and freshness. Coming from a film family, Riya had produced movies before acting, but her debut in Cup (2024) didn't make waves. Now, she's an overnight sensation, processing the whirlwind of fame from her cozy home instead of partying into the new year. "The response has been overwhelming—it's all sinking in now," she admitted, tearful from fan encounters in theaters.

The Wave of Fan Love

Fans can't get enough of Delulu's adorable antics. Social media is buzzing with posts calling Riya the "Delulu Queen," praising her as a "cutie-pookie" who stole the show. One viewer gushed, "Went to see Nivin Pauly's comeback but stayed for this Cutie-pookie," while others declared her performance "unforgettable" and a sign she's "here to stay." Heart emojis flood timelines, with fans admitting they're "addicted" to her on-screen presence and wishing for a Delulu in their own lives. This outpouring has solidified Riya's place in fans' hearts, turning her into Malayalam cinema's newest crush.

As Sarvam Maya continues its successful run, Riya Shibu's story reminds us how a single quirky moment can launch a career. With her talent and charm, the future looks bright for this rising star—expect more magic from her soon.

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