The Return of the ‘Premam’ Magic: Nivin Pauly Back on Top After a Decade

January 5, 2026 – In the volatile world of cinema, few things are as satisfying as a “Phoenix” moment. For Nivin Pauly, the man who once defined a generation’s idea of romance in the 2015 cult classic Premam, that moment has finally arrived. After a decade of experimental roles and a challenging dry spell at the box office, the “Premam Hero” has secured a massive comeback with his latest Christmas release, Sarvam Maya.

A Historic Milestone: The 100 Crore Club

While Nivin Pauly has always been a beloved figure, Sarvam Maya has done what even his legendary hits of the past didn’t: it has officially become his first film to enter the ₹100 crore club worldwide. In just ten days, the supernatural comedy-drama has grossed over ₹101 crores, with ₹53 crores coming from India and nearly ₹48 crores from the overseas market.

Trade analysts are calling it one of the most significant career revivals in recent Mollywood history. For years, fans have been waiting for the “Old Nivin”—the one with the effortless comic timing and the boy-next-door charm—to return. With Sarvam Maya, directed by Akhil Sathyan, that wish has been granted.

Why ‘Sarvam Maya’ Worked

The film’s success isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about the “feel-good” factor that Nivin is famous for. In Sarvam Maya, he plays a young man whose life takes a hilarious and heartwarming turn when he encounters a spirit.

The Road Ahead

The success of Sarvam Maya has instantly re-established Nivin as a bankable superstar, placing him back in the ranks alongside contemporaries like Prithviraj and Tovino Thomas.

His 2026 lineup looks equally promising. He is set to star in Dear Students alongside Nayanthara and is making his OTT debut with the medical thriller Pharma. Additionally, he will be seen in a “brutal” new avatar as the antagonist in the Tamil film Benz, proving that while he’s back to his charming ways, he hasn’t lost his appetite for risk.

Ten years after Premam changed his life, Nivin Pauly has proven that true stars never really fade; they just wait for the right script to shine again.