Riya Shibu, the 21-year-old Malayalam actress and producer, has become one of the most talked-about names in South Indian cinema following the release of Sarvam Maya. Directed by Akhil Sathyan, this fantasy-comedy drama, starring Nivin Pauly, hit theaters on December 25, 2025, and has received widespread acclaim for both its engaging story and Riya’s captivating performance. In the film, she portrays Maya Mathew Manjooran—affectionately called “Delulu”—a bubbly young ghost whose charm and energy have won over audiences nationwide.
Riya Shibu’s Rise: From Producer to Breakout Actress
Before stepping in front of the camera, Riya Shibu had already carved a niche as a young producer. She began her production career in 2023 with the Tamil action drama Thugs, featuring her brother Hridhu Haroon and Anaswara Rajan. The same year, she co-produced the action thriller Mumbaikar alongside Jyoti Deshpande and Shibu Thameens, starring Vikrant Massey and Vijay Sethupathi.
In 2024, she produced the Malayalam action drama Mura, headlined by Suraj Venjaramoodu. Her biggest production venture came in 2025 with Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2, starring Chiyaan Vikram, which earned ₹63.45 crore worldwide, including ₹40.75 crore in India, cementing her status as a formidable producer in South Indian cinema.
Social Media and Audience Praise: The Rise of ‘Delulu’
.webp "Social Media and Audience Praise: The Rise of ‘Delulu’") |
| Photo Credit -Sarvam Maya Movie Scene |
Riya Shibu’s performance in Sarvam Maya has generated a storm of appreciation online. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
- “Today and every day, crushing on Delulu Riya Shibu. What an actress!”
- “Delulu Riya Shibu, what an actress you are. Best written Malayalam film of 2025.”
Instagram users echoed similar sentiments, praising her natural charm, emotional depth, and captivating screen presence. Her portrayal of Maya has become the highlight of the film, with audiences calling her the “cutest Delulu ever.”
Early Life and Family Background
Born on September 25, 2004, Riya Shibu hails from a prominent film family. She is the daughter of veteran producer and distributor Shibu Thameens, the mind behind Thameens Films, which has backed major South Indian projects such as ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi (2013), Puli (2015), and Iru Mugan (2016). Her father also runs Thameens Release, a distribution company for Tamil and Malayalam films. Riya is the sister of actor Hridhu Haroon, who gained international recognition for his role in All We Imagine as Light (2024).
Educated at Trivandrum International School and later at Loyola College, Chennai, where she pursued Visual Communication, Riya has always displayed a keen interest in art, storytelling, and filmmaking.
Career Highlights: Producer and Digital Creator
Riya Shibu first garnered attention through her short-form videos on platforms like TikTok, Dubsmash, and Musically, where her creativity and charm earned her a strong following. By the age of 19, she had already become one of India’s youngest film producers.
Her notable productions include:
- Thugs (2023) – Tamil action drama
- Mumbaikar (2023) – Action thriller remake featuring Vikrant Massey & Vijay Sethupathi
- Mura (2024) – Malayalam action drama starring Suraj Venjaramoodu
- Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 (2025) – Starring Vikram, grossing over ₹63 crore worldwide
Acting Breakthrough: Sarvam Maya
Riya made her acting debut in the 2024 Malayalam film Cup, which received little attention. However, Sarvam Maya proved to be a turning point in her career. Sharing screen space with seasoned actors like Nivin Pauly, Aju Varghese, and Vinith, she delivered a performance praised for its confidence, emotional nuance, and lively energy. Industry veterans, including Vikram, have lauded her instinctive creativity and screen presence.
The film has been a major box-office success, earning ₹52.5 crore worldwide, including ₹26.30 crore within six days, making it one of 2025’s biggest Malayalam hits.
Social Media Influence
Beyond films, Riya has cultivated a strong digital presence. With over 7.8 lakh Instagram followers, she connects with fans through engaging content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and creative short videos. Her viral reels, including one inspired by a popular film dialogue, have garnered millions of views, boosting her popularity even further.
At just 21, Riya Shibu has already established herself as a talented producer, emerging actress, and digital creator. With Sarvam Maya, she has proven that her screen presence is as strong as her production acumen. As audiences continue to praise her portrayal of Delulu, Riya Shibu is poised to become one of Malayalam cinema’s most influential young talents.
Follow Storyantra for the latest news, in-depth stories, and exclusive updates from the world of entertainment, celebrity interviews, box office insights, and trending film releases.
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
0 Comments