From Blockbuster Hero to Visionary Founder
For years, Nivin Pauly has been the face of a generation in Malayalam cinema, mastering the art of storytelling on screen. Now, he's taking his passion for narrative excellence behind the business curtain, but with a mission far bigger than production: to fundamentally transform the animation landscape in Kerala.
His new startup, CRAV, is not just another production company—it is a launchpad. It is a testament to the belief that Kerala's boundless creativity, which has contributed quietly to Hollywood behemoths like Avatar, deserves a grand stage right here at home.
"We have immense talent here. Malayalis have worked on major international films, but those achievements didn't fully benefit Kerala. CRAV is here to change that." - Nivin Pauly
The Vision: Creating Worlds from Kerala
Nivin Pauly's venture, co-founded with startup expert Ramees Ali, is driven by a simple, powerful realization: while audiences in Kerala adore animation, the state itself is producing very few high-quality, homegrown animated stories. CRAV steps in to bridge this gap, aiming to create not just films, but also games, rooted in the rich cultural and imaginative soil of Kerala.
The mission, symbolically marked by the logo unveiling by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at Huddle Kerala 2025, is deeply rooted in empowerment:
- Empowering the Creator: CRAV will provide the necessary infrastructure and platform, but the projects will be released in the names of the original developers. The startup model is built on sharing success, earning royalties while ensuring creators maintain ownership and recognition.
- A Hub of Innovation: Headquartered in Kochi, CRAV positions itself as the epicenter for the next wave of quality animation and tech innovation, drawing developers and storytellers back to their roots.
Why This Matters for Malayalam Cinema
At a time when Malayalam cinema is earning global applause for its realism and powerful writing, CRAV is pioneering the next frontier: high-concept, technically brilliant, Malayalam animation.
This is more than just a business move; it is a movement to stop the brain drain and channel the collective brilliance of Malayali artists who currently power studios around the world. Nivin Pauly is providing the beacon, challenging local creators to tell their most ambitious stories and build their most detailed worlds, all from within the state.
CRAV is an invitation to dream bigger, not just for the actor, but for every talented artist in Kerala who believes that their local stories deserve a global animated canvas. The curtain is rising on a new, exciting chapter for startups in Kerala and the future of visual storytelling.
What's Next for CRAV?
The focus now shifts to identifying and nurturing the first batch of storytellers. Which innovative quality animation films or games will be the first to emerge from this visionary new studio? We wait in anticipation.
