Meet the Gen Z sensation making waves in Malayalam cinema with her “delulu” ghost performance
Nivin Pauly’s latest fantasy rom-com Sarvam Maya has audiences buzzing—not just for its unique storyline, but for breakout star Riya Shibu. The 21-year-old producer-turned-actress is winning hearts with her portrayal of an endearingly “delulu” ghost, proving she’s more than just a social media sensation.
Riya Shibu: Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Riya Shibu |
| Age | 21 (Born September 22, 2004) |
| Father | Shibu Thameens (Film Producer) |
| Production House | Thameens Films |
| Debut Film | Cup (2024) |
| Latest Release | Sarvam Maya (December 25, 2025) |
| Social Media | Instagram Content Creator |
The Legacy Behind the Name
Riya comes from cinema royalty. Her father, Shibu Thameens, owns Thameens Films, a powerhouse production company behind blockbusters like Dulquer Salmaan’s ABCD, Vikram’s Iru Mugan, and Vijay’s Puli. The company also distributed mega-hits like RRR and Kamal Haasan’s Vikram.
Before stepping in front of cameras, Riya followed in her father’s footsteps as a producer for Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 starring Chiyaan Vikram. Her brother, Hridhu Haroon, is also carving his path in cinema with films like All We Imagine as Light.
From Viral Videos to Silver Screen
What sets Riya apart is her massive Gen Z following. Before her film debut, she became an Instagram sensation with transition videos and relatable humor that resonated with millions. This digital-first approach helped her understand what younger audiences crave—authentic, unfiltered entertainment.
Her acting debut came in 2024’s sports drama Cup, where she shared screen space with Mathew Thomas and Basil Joseph. However, it’s her performance in Sarvam Maya that’s truly captured attention.
The Sarvam Maya Phenomenon
Directed by Akhil Sathyan, Sarvam Maya tells the story of Prabhendhu Namboothiri, a young priest whose life transforms after encountering a lovable ghost—played brilliantly by Riya. The film released on Christmas 2025 to positive reviews, with critics praising Riya’s natural charm and comic timing.
Her portrayal of the “delulu” (hilariously delusional) ghost showcases range beyond her years. The character’s quirky innocence combined with supernatural elements creates moments that are both heartwarming and laugh-out-loud funny.
What’s Next?
Riya’s trajectory looks promising. She’s set to star alongside powerhouses Tovino Thomas, Vineeth Sreenivasan, and Basil Joseph in the upcoming Athiradi. Industry insiders suggest this multi-starrer could establish her as a leading actress in Malayalam cinema.
