Pullanmaya

Pullanmaya is a term used in discussions of immersive media and storytelling to denote a perceptual phenomenon in which a narrative, visual sequence, or interactive stimulus exerts a strong draw on the audience, creating a sense of inevitability or being pulled into the experience. The term emphasizes an active, gravitational pull that sustains attention beyond typical engagement, rather than merely high interest or excitement.

The word combines pull, to attract or draw, with maya, a word meaning illusion or magic in several South Asian languages. Its exact origin is uncertain and it is not widely standardized. It first appeared in online design and media discussions in the mid-2010s, where researchers and practitioners used it informally to describe a particular experiential effect.

Pullanmaya is discussed in the contexts of film theory, game design, virtual reality, and interactive storytelling. Proponents describe it as a form of narrative gravity produced by a combination of protagonist focus, pacing, sound design, visual composition, and environmental cues that create a felt sense of “being drawn forward.” It is distinguished from broader concepts of immersion or presence, though overlaps can occur when audiences feel deeply engaged with a world or sequence.

Critics note that the term is imprecise and can be used loosely to describe several related experiences. Its utility lies in highlighting moments where design and storytelling actively pull the viewer or player through a sequence. Empirical work and clearer definitions remain limited, and interpretations may vary across cultures and media forms.

See also: immersion, presence, narrative engagement, attention, flow.