Who is Delulu? Meet Riya Shibu, the Breakout "Pookie" Ghost in Nivin Pauly’s Sarvam Maya

Who is the actress playing the ghost in Sarvam Maya? Discover everything about Riya Shibu, her viral "Delulu" character, and why her chemistry with Nivin Pauly is the biggest talking point of this 2025 Christmas blockbuster.

TRENDINGENTERTAINMENTINDIA

12/25/20252 min read

The Christmas 2025 box office has a clear winner, and it isn’t just a superstar’s comeback—it’s a ghost. While everyone went into theaters to see "Vintage Nivin Pauly" return to his charming roots in Sarvam Maya, they are coming out talking about one person: Riya Shibu, the actress who plays the internet’s new favorite spirit, "Delulu."

The "Delulu" Phenomenon: Not Your Typical Yakshi

Forget the blood-stained white sarees and vengeful screams. In Akhil Sathyan’s Sarvam Maya, the supernatural gets a Gen-Z makeover. Riya Shibu plays Maya Mathew, a spirit who can’t remember her past and is more scared of humans than they are of her.

Nivin Pauly’s character, Prabhendu, nicknames her "Delulu" (short for delusion), and their dynamic has birthed the viral trend "Pookie Prabha." The internet is currently obsessed with how the film treats a "ghost" as a relatable, "pookie" companion rather than a horror trope.

Who is Riya Shibu? (The Producer-Turned-Actress)

If you think Riya Shibu looks familiar, you’ve likely seen her name in the opening credits of other big films.

  • The Background: Riya is the daughter of prominent producer Shibu Thameens (the man behind ABCD and Vikram’s Irumugan).

  • The Producer: At just 21, she has already produced major films like Mumbaikar and Mura under the banner of HR Pictures.

  • The Viral Star: Before her big break in Sarvam Maya, Riya was an Instagram sensation with over 550,000 followers, known for her high-end video editing skills and fashion reels.

Why "Sarvam Maya" is Trending

The movie is a perfect "feel-good fantasy" that feels like a warm hug during the holiday season. Here is why it’s currently the #1 trending topic on Google:

  1. The Nivin-Aju Combo: 15 years after their debut, Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese prove their chemistry is unmatched.

  2. Modern Dialogue: Director Akhil Sathyan has perfectly captured Gen-Z lingo, making the film a massive hit with younger audiences.

  3. The "Vismayathumbathu" Vibes: Fans are comparing the heartwarming man-spirit bond to classic Malayalam films, but with a fresh, modern twist.

Final Verdict: A New Star is Born

While Sarvam Maya is being hailed as the official "Nivin Pauly Comeback," it is Riya Shibu's effortless performance as the "Delulu ghost" that provides the film’s heartbeat. She has managed to do the impossible: make a ghost the most lovable character of the year.