Movie Name : Chinna Chinna Aasai
Streaming Date : July 28, 2026
Streaming Platform : JioHotstar
123telugu.com Rating : 2.5/5
Starring : Indrans, Madhubala, Aparna Balamurali, Jaffer Sadiq and Others
Director : Varsha Vasudev
Producers : Abhijith Babuji
Music Directors : Govind Vasantha
Cinematographer : Faiz Siddik
Editor : Reckson Joseph
Related Links : Trailer
Malayalam film Chinna Chinna Aasai, starring veteran actors Indrans and Madhoo, is now streaming on JioHotstar. The Telugu-dubbed version is also available. Here’s our take.
Story:
Set in Varanasi, the story follows Leela (Madhoo), a 52-year-old woman from Thanjavur who gets separated from her tour group and loses her belongings during her trip. Left stranded in an unfamiliar city, she receives help from Madhavan (Indrans), a teacher of her age. As he stands by her through difficult situations, an unexpected bond develops between them. What happens next forms the rest of the story.
Plus Points:
The film explores the bond that gradually develops between two strangers in a simple and sincere manner. Their relationship evolves naturally through everyday conversations and shared experiences, lending a sense of authenticity to the narrative.
Madhoo delivers a sincere performance as Leela. She portrays the character’s loneliness and emotional struggles with subtle expressions, making the role believable.
Indrans complements her well with a restrained performance. His calm screen presence and effortless humour suit the character, while his conversations with Madhoo work well in several scenes.
The film’s emotional core lies in portraying two middle-aged individuals rediscovering the simple joys they had long forgotten. Though the idea is appealing, it works only in parts due to the film’s leisurely pace. Aparna Balamurali appears in a brief role and does well within her limited screen time.
Minus Points:
The biggest drawback is the slow-paced narration. Despite a runtime of around two hours, the film often feels longer because of its leisurely storytelling and lack of engaging dramatic moments. Several scenes could have been trimmed to make the narrative more engaging.
Another major issue is the Telugu dubbing. The concern isn’t the dubbing quality but the language itself. Since Leela and Madhavan converse mostly in Tamil, with only occasional Telugu, viewers unfamiliar with Tamil may struggle to follow several important conversations. The absence of Telugu subtitles makes the experience even more difficult, forcing viewers to rely on English subtitles.
The story remains simple throughout and offers no surprises except the climax. Those expecting dramatic twists or emotionally engaging conflicts may find the narrative underwhelming, as the film relies heavily on conversations and subtle emotions.
Technical Aspects:
As both writer and director, Varsha Vasudev presents a simple story with mature characters and relatable emotions. While the emotional moments are handled with sincerity, the screenplay lacks consistency and could have been tighter to keep the narrative engaging throughout.
Reckson Joseph’s editing could have been sharper, especially during the stretched portions. Govind Vasantha’s background score complements the film’s gentle tone, while Faiz Siddik’s cinematography is visually pleasing. The production values are neat, but the Telugu dubbing remains a significant drawback for the dubbed version.
Verdict:
On the whole, Chinna Chinna Aasai is an emotional drama that relies heavily on the performances of Indrans and Madhoo, but they aren’t enough to lift the film above its slow-paced storytelling. The straightforward narrative and the lack of proper Telugu dialogues during several key conversations further affect the overall experience. You may be better off exploring other options this weekend.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.5/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team
Movie Name : Ikka
Streaming Date : July 10, 2026
Streaming Platform : Netflix
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Sunny Deol, Akshaye Khanna, Dia Mirza , Tillotama Shome
Director : Siddharth P Malhotra
Producers : Sapna Malhotra ,Siddharth P Malhotra
Music Directors : Mithun, Julius Packiam
Cinematographer : Jishnu Bhattacharjee
Editor : Shweta Venkat
Related Links : Trailer
Several direct-to-OTT films and series have dropped on various streaming platforms this week alongside theatrical releases. Leading digital platform Netflix has now premiered Ikka, a legal thriller featuring big names like Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna. Let’s see how the film is.
Story:
Shauryaman Gaur (Akshaye Khanna), the son of a prominent businessman, finds himself entangled in an attempt-to-murder case involving a young woman. The high-profile case threatens his family’s reputation. Desperate for a win, they approach Arjun Mehra (Sunny Deol), a brilliant defense lawyer nicknamed ‘Ikka’ who hasn’t lost a single case yet.
Arjun is known for his strict professional ethics and initially turns down the case due to past friction with Shaurya. However, unexpected circumstances force him to reconsider. Standing opposite him in court is Madhura Banerjee (Tillotama Shome), a small-time lawyer. Why did Arjun initially say no, and what changed his mind? Who actually attacked the girl? The answers to these questions form the crux of the courtroom battle.
Plus Points:
Fans of legal thrillers will find Ikka to be engaging to some extent. The film cuts straight to the chase within the first few minutes without wasting time on unnecessary buildup. As the investigation unfolds, the screenplay picks up well initially, delivering some decent moments and timely twists.
Some verbal duels between the opposing lawyers and their sharp counter-arguments serve as a major strength. The legal drama generated in these scenes is fair. Sunny Deol and Tillotama Shome fit their roles perfectly. Sunny brings a dignified and commanding presence to his character, while Tillotama delivers a highly grounded performance as a middle-class housewife and struggling lawyer. Her portrayal of helplessness in specific court scenes feels remarkably authentic.
After Dhurandhar, Akshaye Khanna delivers a powerful performance here as well, especially during his opening courtroom sequence. The remaining cast members support the narrative well. The real highlight of the film is its climax. The final portions unfold beautifully, revealing smart twists.
Minus Points:
While watching Ikka, one particular aspect becomes glaringly obvious, especially for Telugu cinema lovers. The core storyline heavily resembles Nagarjuna’s version in the movie Kubera. Since Sunny Deol’s character is designed on similar lines within a legal setup, the narrative gives a strong sense of predictability.
Additionally, the film introduces a sensitive plot twist involving the birth of Sunny’s daughter. However, the way it’s handled might make viewers wonder if the makers are trying too hard to normalize such complex social issues.
The pacing also drops in the middle sections, making the narrative feel sluggish at times. Even though it’s a dedicated courtroom drama, the film misses out on intense legal arguments backed by specific law sections, which we usually see in this genre. Including such detailed legal exchanges with sections could have added more authenticity and value alongside the entertainment.
Technical Aspects:
The production values are good, and the makers haven’t compromised on the visual setup required for a legal thriller. The background score and cinematography complement the mood of the film effectively. The editing lacks sharpness. The Telugu dubbing is neat and holds up well.
Director Siddharth P. Malhotra takes a somewhat familiar story written by Altheia Kaushal and peppers the screenplay with some fine moments. His ability to create a few tense situations and extract quality performances from the lead cast works in the film’s favour. However, the film doesn’t rise above the bare minimum, making the overall experience underwhelming.
Verdict:
On the whole, Ikka is just an okayish legal drama that has some decent moments. Strong performances from Sunny Deol, Tillotama Shome, and Akshaye Khanna, combined with some twists, are the film’s primary strengths. On the flip side, a predictable storyline and occasional pacing issues reduce the overall impact.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team
Web Series Name : Gram Chikistalay S2
Streaming Date : June 23, 2026
Streaming Platform : Prime Video
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring :Amol Parashar, Vinay Pathak, Akansha Ranjan Kapoor, Anandeshwar Dwivedi, Akash Makhija, Garima Vikrant Singh, Dinesh Lal Yadav
Director : Lalitam Anand
Producer : Arunabh Kumar
Music Director : Rohit Sharma
Cinematographer : Girish Kant
Editor : Chandrashekhar Prajapati
Related Links : Trailer
After a gap of nearly a year, Gram Chikitsalay Season 2 arrives with a new challenge for Dr. Prabhat Sinha and his team. Created by TVF for Amazon Prime Video, the Hindi-language series is now streaming. Has the new season improved on the shortcomings of its predecessor? Let’s find out.
Story:
Having adapted to life in Bhatkandi village and its people’s mindset, Dr. Prabhat Sinha (Amol Parashar) continues to struggle with low patient turnout and a shortage of medicines at the PHC. He soon learns that winning the Ideal PHC Award could secure the resources the centre desperately needs. Determined to achieve the goal, Prabhat sets out to transform the PHC, only to face a new condition that threatens his plans. What is this condition, and can he overcome the challenges that follow? The series reveals the answers.
Plus Points:
Whether the makers took audience feedback into account or simply refined their approach, Season 2 is a noticeable improvement over its predecessor. The central conflict is more interesting, the narrative feels more focused, and the overall content works better than what the first season offered.
Amol Parashar maintains consistency in the lead role and shows slight improvement compared to the previous season. Anandeshwar Dwivedi as Phutani and Akash Makhija as Gobind once again emerge as the major strengths of the series, delivering several entertaining moments through their comic timing. Gobind’s subplot, centred on his desire for a permanent job and marriage, is among the better-written portions of the season, with Akash Makhija handling the character’s emotional conflict with sincerity and conviction.
Akansha Ranjan Kapoor as Dr. Gargi has limited screen presence and therefore doesn’t get much scope to showcase her abilities. Vinay Pathak is dependable as Dr. Chetak Kumar, while Dinesh Lal Yadav (Nirahua) is adequate as Babu Saheb.
The final episode deserves special mention. While not every emotional beat lands perfectly, it still delivers a few heartfelt moments, particularly through Moushami Bharti’s character, and provides the season with a satisfying conclusion.
Minus Points:
The biggest drawback of the season is its pacing. Despite having only five episodes with runtimes of around 30–40 minutes each, the narrative often feels stretched. The core conflict is decent enough on its own, making the slow storytelling feel unnecessary.
The Ideal PHC Award storyline gives the season a stronger purpose, but the sluggish narration frequently dilutes its impact. Several supporting characters, particularly Gargi and Babu Saheb, are given emotional moments, yet their arcs lack the depth needed for those scenes to leave a stronger impression.
The makers seem keen on maintaining a light-hearted tone throughout, which works for the most part. However, the background score often signals emotions before the scenes are allowed to create them naturally.
Similarly, the subplot involving Dr. Chetak Kumar’s daughter feels underexplored and ultimately comes across as a missed opportunity. While the writing succeeds in making the season better than its predecessor, several emotional moments could have carried greater weight with deeper character development and tighter execution.
Technical Aspects:
Director Lalitam Anand handles the direction competently and keeps the series accessible throughout. The writing team, including Vaibhav Suman and Shreya Srivastava, improves upon the foundation laid in the first season by presenting a more focused narrative. However, the screenplay still struggles with pacing issues and occasionally falls short of fully exploring its emotional and character-driven moments.
Girish Kant’s cinematography is satisfactory and captures the rural setting effectively. Rohit Sharma’s music complements the narrative reasonably well. The editing by Chandrashekhar Prajapati is arguably the weakest technical aspect of the season. A tighter edit could have significantly improved the viewing experience and made the series more engaging. The production values remain decent throughout.
Verdict:
On the whole, Gram Chikitsalay Season 2 is an improvement over the first season, thanks to a better central conflict and a few commendable performances. While the finale and certain emotional moments work to an extent, the persistently slow pacing and underdeveloped supporting arcs prevent the series from making a stronger impact. With tighter writing and sharper execution, it could have been a far better watch. Give it a try only if you have the patience for a slow-burn rural drama and are willing to overlook its shortcomings.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team
Movie Name : Maa Behen
Streaming Date : June 4, 2026
Streaming Platform : Netflix
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri, Dharna Durga, and Ravi Kishan
Director : Suresh Triveni
Producers : Vikram Malhotra, Suresh Triveni
Music Director : Akashdeep Sengupta
Cinematographer : Anuj Rakesh Dhawan
Editor : Dipika Kalra
Related Links : Trailer
Veteran Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit and latest sensation Triptii Dimri played the lead roles in the latest crime dark comedy-drama Maa Behen. The film premiered directly on June 4. Let’s see how it is.
Story
Rekha (Madhuri Dixit) is a lower-middle-class housewife living a simple life with her two daughters, Jaya (Triptii Dimri) and Sushma (Dharna Durga). Their peaceful lives take an unexpected turn when a man from the neighboring house is found dead under suspicious circumstances inside their home.
How did the man die? What do the three women do with the body to avoid police suspicion and keep their neighbors from finding out? The bizarre situations they encounter while trying to cover up the incident form the rest of the story.
Plus Points:
The biggest strength of the film is its lead cast. Madhuri Dixit delivers a solid performance as Rekha, effectively portraying both fear and a mother’s desperation to protect her family.
Triptii Dimri puts glamour aside and delivers a restrained, convincing performance. She particularly shines in an emotional monologue sequence in the second half. Dharna Durga, who plays the younger daughter, provides much of the film’s humor with her witty one-liners and expressive reactions.
The family drama and frequent arguments between the three women feel natural and generate entertaining moments. The first half moves at a brisk pace, with the panic and chaos that follow the discovery of the body leading to some genuinely funny situations.
Director Suresh Triveni’s dark comedy writing works well in some scenes, and few dialogues land effectively. The supporting cast also performs adequately.
Minus Points:
Despite a fair start, the movie loses momentum in the second half. The narrative begins to revolve around the same central point without making significant progress, making portions feel stretched.
A gripping screenplay essential for a dark comedy thriller is largely missing here. The climax twists are fairly predictable, reducing the impact of the mystery reveal.
Although the film is a crime-comedy drama, several scenes feel overly cinematic and also lack logic. The police investigation track is also written rather weakly.
Most supporting characters are underdeveloped and exist merely for convenience. Additionally, neither the songs nor the background score leave a lasting impression.
Technical Aspects:
Director Suresh Triveni chooses an interesting crime-comedy premise but does not fully succeed in sustaining engagement throughout the film’s runtime.
Cinematographer Anuj Rakesh Dhawan does a decent job, particularly in the indoor sequences. The background score elevates a few scenes but remains average overall. The editing could have been sharper, especially in the second half. Production values are decent.
Verdict:
On the whole, Maa Behen is a dark crime comedy that works only in parts. The performances of Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri, along with some dark-comedy moments in the first half, keep the film moderately engaging. However, a weaker second half and a predictable climax prevent it from reaching its full potential. Fans of crime-comedy films may try it, provided they keep their expectations in check.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team
Movie Name : Toaster
Streaming Date : April 15, 2026
Streaming Platform : Netflix
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Rajkummar Rao, Sanya Malhotra, Archana Puran Singh, Upendra Limaye and Others
Director : Vivek Daschaudary
Producers : Rajkummar Rao, Patralekhaa, Tarun Bali
Music Director : Aman Pant
Cinematographer : Jishnu Bhattacharjee
Editor : Chandrashekhar Prajapati
Related Links : Trailer
Netflix has now come up with the comedy-drama Toaster starring Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra in the key roles. Let’s see how this direct-to-digital OTT release fares.
Story:
Ramakant (Rajkummar Rao) is a miser through and through, who owns a perfume shop. He lives with his wife, Shilpa (Sanya Malhotra), in a society filled with elderly people. One day, the couple attends the wedding of Shilpa’s guru’s daughter. Though Ramakant isn’t pleased, Shilpa gifts the newlyweds a brand-new toaster worth Rs. 5,000. However, the marriage falls apart, and Ramakant decides to retrieve the toaster, leading to a series of chaotic events.
Plus Points:
Rajkummar Rao is the show-stealer of Toaster without an iota of doubt. Known for his impeccable comic timing, the actor amuses with his rib-tickling performance. As an extreme miser, he does a phenomenal job, and his character’s miserliness lands him in multiple troublesome situations, generating laughs.
The backdrop of the film is effective, and it lays the path for some genuinely enjoyable moments. The protagonist going all out for a simple toaster draws us into his stingy nature, which remains consistent throughout. Even after all the chaos, he doesn’t change a bit, which makes the character more likable.
As a woman who is addicted to crime stories on television and tries to solve a murder mystery, Sanya Malhotra does a brilliant job. She attempts to be a private detective, and in doing so, unintentionally generates fun. The rest of the supporting cast does a fine job. Archana Puran Singh takes us by surprise with a bizarre character.
Minus Points:
A few years back, Rajkummar Rao came up with a quirky and unconventional comedy thriller, Monica O My Darling. It stands as one of the best examples of how a crazy concept can gain strength from a well-written and engaging screenplay. Toaster gets it right when it comes to the premise and quirkiness, but the screenplay doesn’t always catch up.
When a film with such a solid premise doesn’t realize its full promise, disappointment is inevitable. It’s not that Toaster is bad, as such. There are some genuinely funny moments, but the movie doesn’t rise beyond them.
The second half, in particular, is filled with repetitive episodes, which bring down the overall impact of Toaster. Had the narrative been stronger here, the film could have turned out to be a much more compelling watch. In the end, we will just wish the storytelling were as wacky as Rajkummar Rao.
Technical Aspects:
Aman Pant’s background score matches the film’s tone, and cinematography by Jishnu Bhattacharjee is effective. The editing and production values are satisfactory, too.
Vivek Daschaudary’s direction works only in parts. The screenplay needed more spice and substance to keep things consistently crazy, just the way the film’s premise promises a quirky ride.
Verdict:
On the whole, Toaster is a partly engaging comedy drama with some genuinely funny moments. The premise is solid, but the screenplay doesn’t help the film live up to its promise. Rajkummar Rao is hilarious and is well supported by Sanya Malhotra and the rest of the cast. What could have been a crazy, eccentric ride is reduced to just an okay watch, with the narrative not quite hitting the mark.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team
Movie Name : The Bluff
Streaming Date : Feb 25, 2026
Streaming Platform : Amazon Prime Video
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Priyanka Chopra, Karl Urban, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Safia Oakley-Green, Temuera Morrison
Director : Frank E. Flowers
Producers : Priyanka Chopra, Joe Russo, Anthony Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot, Michael Disco
Music Director : Henry Jackman
Cinematographer : Greg Baldi
Editor : Lisa Lassek
Related Links : Trailer
Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ latest English action thriller The Bluff premiered today on Amazon Prime Video. Backed by the Russo Brothers, with Priyanka herself serving as a producer, the film was also released in Telugu and generated decent buzz ahead of its premiere. Let’s see how it fares.
Story:
Set in 1846, the film follows Captain Connor (Karl Urban), a pirate determined to reclaim his lost gold. His search leads him to Cayman Brac, where Ercell (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) lives a peaceful life with her family. When Connor and his men attack her in pursuit of the treasure, Ercell is forced to confront a mysterious past she has kept hidden. How do the pirates know about her? What is her connection to the gold? The rest of the film unfolds as she fights to protect her family while her buried secrets slowly come to light.
Plus Points:
Priyanka Chopra Jonas is the film’s biggest strength. Portraying a former pirate with a troubled history, she delivers a committed and convincing performance. She particularly shines in the well-executed action sequences, carrying the film on her shoulders.
Karl Urban fits the role adequately, though his character lacks the intensity needed to feel truly menacing. Safia Oakley-Green and Vedanten Naidoo perform decently within the limited scope of their roles.
The action sequences form the backbone of the film. The choreography is neatly designed, and the crisp runtime keeps the narrative moving without unnecessary stretches. The cinematography by Greg Baldi complements the gritty tone and enhances the overall viewing experience.
Minus Points:
The biggest drawback of The Bluff is its predictable storyline. The plot follows a familiar revenge template, offering little in terms of novelty or surprise. The lack of strong twists weakens the emotional engagement.
The antagonist is another weak link. Although Karl Urban fits the role, the character lacks the menace and intensity required to create a gripping conflict.
The conflict between Priyanka and Karl Urban lacks depth. Stronger confrontation scenes could have elevated the drama significantly. Director Frank E. Flowers prioritises action spectacle over storytelling, resulting in a screenplay that feels underdeveloped.
Technical Aspects:
Director Frank E. Flowers succeeds in staging engaging action sequences but falls short in crafting a compelling narrative. Greg Baldi’s cinematography stands out, while Lisa Lassek’s editing keeps the film tight and free of unnecessary lag. Henry Jackman’s background score is serviceable but not particularly memorable. The production design is fine, and the Telugu dubbing is effective.
Verdict:
On the whole, The Bluff is a revenge action drama that banks largely on its well-crafted action sequences and Priyanka Chopra’s committed performance. However, a weak narrative and a poorly written antagonist dilute its overall impact. For viewers seeking a straightforward, action-driven OTT watch, the film may suffice, but it is best approached with measured expectations.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team
Movie Name : Parasakthi
Streaming Date : Feb 07, 2026
Streaming Platform : ZEE5
123telugu.com Rating : 2.5/5
Starring : Sivakarthikeyan, Ravi Mohan, Atharvaa, Sreeleela
Director : Sudha Kongara
Producer : Aakash Baskaran
Music Director : G.V. Prakash
Cinematographer : Ravi K. Chandran
Editor : Sathish Suriya
Related Links : Trailer
Tamil actor Sivakarthikeyan’s film Parasakthi was released in theatres during the Pongal season and has now made its OTT debut on ZEE5, with a Telugu-dubbed version as well. Here’s our review to find out how it fares.
Story:
After India gains independence, the central government proposes a law to establish a single national language across the country instead of continuing with English introduced by the British. This triggers resistance in Tamil Nadu. Cheliyan (Sivakarthikeyan), a young student leader, opposes the move and leads a protest against Hindi imposition, inspiring many people to join him. To control the situation, the center appoints a special officer, Thiru (Ravi Mohan). The clash between them drives the narrative. How Cheliyan continues the fight to protect his mother tongue, how his brother Chinna Durai (Atharvaa) and his lover Rathnamala (Sreeleela) support him, why he steps away at one point, and why he returns again forms the rest of the story.
Plus Points:
The film connects well with those who have strong respect for their mother tongue. The subject has historical relevance, and director Sudha Kongara’s attempt to present it to today’s audience is decent.
She handles several portions in a balanced manner. Some emotional scenes work well. The Delhi job interview episode featuring Sivakarthikeyan and the following scene are notable. Most of the actors deliver good performances.
Sivakarthikeyan performs very well and is impressive in emotional scenes. Sreeleela gets a good Tamil debut. Her chemistry with Sivakarthikeyan works well, especially in the first half. She also looks graceful on screen. Atharvaa does well in his role. Ravi Mohan shows good intensity as the antagonist. Rana Daggubati’s cameo is fine, while Basil Joseph’s cameo leaves a stronger impact. The supporting cast performs well.
Minus Points:
Though the film has a strong subject, the emotional depth is not as powerful as expected. A few scenes create an impact, but viewers looking for stronger emotional weight may feel slightly disappointed.
Some characters could have been written better. Ravi Mohan’s role needed a more powerful presentation. Rana Daggubati’s cameo creates excitement at entry but is not developed strongly later.
The duet song in the second half feels unnecessary. Some slow-paced scenes affect the flow.
Technical Aspects:
The production values are decent. The period setup and production design are impressive. Cinematography presents the vintage backdrop well. However, the VFX work is weak in parts. GV Prakash Kumar’s music is decent, and the background score works in key scenes. Editing could have been tighter. The Telugu dubbing is good.
Director Sudha Kongara does a decent job, but considering her track record, the impact feels slightly below expectations. Her mark is visible in parts, but the emotional strength in the narration could have been better. Similar to how Dunki felt after Rajkumar Hirani’s earlier strong films, this one feels slightly underwhelming compared to expectations from Sudha Kongara.
Verdict:
On the whole, Parasakthi shines only in a few scenes, despite a sincere performance from Sivakarthikeyan and a good showing from Sreeleela. Some mother-tongue emotional moments are well depicted. However, those who expect a strong emotional drama may feel disappointed. Slow scenes and weak character design affect the film. It is better to watch it with low expectations if you still plan to watch it.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.5/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team
Charming Star Sharwanand recently scored a hit with the rom-com entertainer Nari Nari Naduma Murari. The movie directed by Ram Abbaraju of Samajavaragamana fame succeeded in entertaining the audiences despite heavy competition during the Sankranthi season.
The film has now started streaming on Prime Video in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam languages along with English subtitles. What’s surprising is that Nari Nari Naduma Murari made its OTT debut just three weeks after its theatrical release.
Samyukta and Sakshi Vaidya played the female leads. Sunil, Naresh Vijayakrishna, Sampath Raj, Vennela Kishore, and others appeared in supporting roles. Nari Nari Naduma Murari is bankrolled by Ramabrahmam Sunkara under the AK Entertainments banner, in association with Adventures International Pvt. Ltd. Vishal Chandrashekhar is the music composer.
Movie Name : Sarvam Maya
Streaming Date : Jan 30, 2026
Streaming Platform : Jio Hotstar
123telugu.com Rating : 3.25/5
Starring : Nivin Pauly, Aju Varghese, Riya Shibu, Janardhanan, Preity Mukhundhan, Raghunath Paleri and Madhu Wariar
Director : Akhil Sathyan
Producers : Dr. Ajayya Kumar and Rajeev Menon
Music Director : Justin Prabhakaran
Cinematographer : Sharan Velayudhan
Editors : Akhil Sathyan, Rathin Radhakrishnan
Related Links : Trailer
Released on Christmas Eve, Sarvam Maya is a Malayalam film featuring Nivin Pauly in the lead. After a successful theatrical run, the film is now streaming on Jio Hotstar in multiple languages, including Telugu. Read on to know how it is.
Story:
Prabhendu (Nivin Pauly), an aspiring guitarist and atheist who lives away from his family due to differences with his father, is forced to return home after his visa for a Europe tour gets cancelled. To earn money, he assists his cousin Rupesh, a priest, and during an exorcism-related assignment, experiences a strange incident. Soon after, Prabhendu senses the presence of a young girl in his room who uses his phone and behaves in puzzling ways. He later encounters her and nicknames her Delulu (Riya Shibu). With no memory of her past and an unusual nature, Delulu does not behave like a typical ghost, and as their interaction grows, she begins influencing Prabhendu’s life. Who exactly is Delulu? What is her past? Why is she connected to Prabhendu, and how will her presence change his life? These questions form the crux of the film.
Plus Points:
The story of Sarvam Maya follows a familiar supernatural setup, but the film benefits from its treatment and character-driven narration rather than novelty.
Riya Shibu’s portrayal of Delulu is the film’s biggest strength. Her character is playful, mischievous, and humorous instead of being scary. Her expressions, timing, and screen presence stand out, making Delulu instantly likeable. She clearly emerges as the show-stealer.
Nivin Pauly delivers a controlled and sincere performance as an atheist caught in an unusual situation. He balances fear, innocence, emotion, and humour effectively. His combination scenes with Riya Shibu form the emotional and entertainment backbone of the film.
Preity Mukhundhan appears in a limited role but leaves an impression. Aju Varghese supports the film with light humour, while Janardhanan performs reliably as the lead’s uncle. The supporting cast fits well into the narrative.
The emotional portions towards the climax, particularly the revelation related to Delulu’s identity, connect well and leave an emotional impact.
Minus Points:
While the treatment elevates the film to an extent, the core story remains predictable. A few sequences feel routine and offer no major surprises.
The dynamic between Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese could have been explored further to generate more humour. Similarly, Preity Mukhundhan’s character feels underwritten and exits the narrative abruptly.
Not all the comedy works. While character-driven humour clicks, some situational sequences feel overstretched. Although the emotional intent of the climax connects, some viewers may feel the narrative explanation could have been clearer.
Technical Aspects:
Director Akhil Sathyan presents the film in a clean and accessible manner. His attempt to blend humour, emotion, and supernatural elements mostly works, though the second half could have been tighter.
Sharan Velayudhan’s cinematography suits the film’s tone. Justin Prabhakaran’s music complements the narrative and enhances the emotional portions. Editing by Akhil Sathyan and Rathin Radhakrishnan is adequate, though trimming a few scenes would have improved pacing. Production values are decent, and the Telugu dubbing is fine, but could have been better.
Verdict:
On the whole, Sarvam Maya is an entertaining supernatural comedy that relies more on its characters than its story. While the plot feels familiar, the engaging treatment and the Delulu character keep the film afloat. Nivin Pauly delivers a steady performance, but it is Riya Shibu who truly elevates the film. Though it does not break new ground, Sarvam Maya benefits from its neat presentation and family-friendly treatment, placing it firmly on the positive side. It emerges as one of the better OTT options for a relaxed weekend watch.
123telugu.com Rating: 3.25/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team
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