Malayalam cinema has a new breakout star lighting up screens and social media. Actress and producer Riya Shibu has captured the hearts of audiences nationwide with her endearing performance as Maya Mathew Manjooran, fondly dubbed “Delulu,” in the comedy-drama Sarvam Maya. Released on December 25, 2025, the Akhil Sathyan directorial has garnered widespread positive reviews from critics, with particular praise heaped on Shibu’s charming and relatable portrayal. The film’s success has turned the spotlight firmly on the multi-talented artist, with fans flooding social media calling her the “cutest delulu ever.”
While audiences are now celebrating her acting, Riya Shibu is no stranger to the film industry. She began her cinematic journey behind the scenes as a successful film producer. Her production debut came in 2023 with Thugs, featuring her brother Hridhu Haroon. She quickly expanded her portfolio with pan-Indian projects like the Vikrant Massey and Vijay Sethupathi starrer Mumbaikar. Her production credentials include the 2024 action drama Mura and the major 2025 blockbuster Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 with Vikram, which grossed over ₹63 crore worldwide, proving her sharp acumen for backing commercial successes.
The public and critical adoration for Riya’s role in Sarvam Maya is unmistakable across social media platforms. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram are in a collective swoon, with posts declaring, “Today and everyday crushing on Delulu Riya Shibu what an actress!” and applauding the film as the “Best written Malayalam film of 2025.” This organic, viral praise highlights how her performance has resonated deeply, marking a definitive breakthrough role in Malayalam cinema that transcends her earlier work as a producer and establishes her as a formidable acting talent.
Starring alongside Nivin Pauly in this hit film, Riya Shibu is a key driver of its commercial triumph. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Sarvam Maya has achieved an impressive worldwide box office collection of ₹52.5 crore, with ₹26.30 crore earned domestically in just its first six days. These strong numbers, combined with the glowing word-of-mouth for Riya’s performance, position the film as one of the top Malayalam movies of 2025. Her dual success as both a producer of hits and now a leading actress signals the arrival of a powerful new force in the Indian film industry.