Rahi Anil Barve, the director behind the cult phenomenon Tumbbad, has returned to the big screen with his second directorial venture, Mayasabha: The Hall of Illusion. The movie which was released today, January 30, 2026, is one which takes unexpected and claustrophobic turns – making for a truly experimental watch for audiences.
The story follows Parmeshwar Khanna, a broken, former film producer who lives as a recluse with his son in a dilapidated movie theatre, only to have their sanctuary invaded by two intruders lured by rumors of a hidden golden treasure.
The film has immediately ignited debate on X (formerly Twitter), where the Barve brand of cinema is meeting the harsh reality of mainstream expectations. While the project was filmed years ago and meticulously refined in post-production, its arrival has created a sharp contrast in the audience: art-house enthusiasts are hailing it as a visual masterpiece, while general audiences are grappling with its intentionally sluggish, dialogue-heavy plot.
At the center of this storm is Jaaved Jaaferi, whose deadly and dramatic transformation is being cited as the primary reason to endure the film’s grueling pace.
A movie for true film enthusiasts
The most consistent praise across social media centers on the film’s haunting atmosphere and a career-defining performance by Jaaved Jaaferi. Barve has successfully turned a crumbling theatre into a living character that reeks of gothic dread and moral rot. Netizens are particularly stunned by Jaaferi’s portrayal of the delusional Parmeshwar Khanna, noting that he has completely shed his comedic skin for something far more sinister.
One user on X posted, “Watched MAYASABHA – a deep, philosophical, layered dark thriller with an eerie atmosphere that stays with you long after. Javed Jaffrey delivers a ONE-MAN show, and Rahi Anil Barve maintains that unsettling vibe with absolute control. Dark, immersive, and bold cinema.”
While another user remarked, “#Mayasabha Visual Story and Cinematography are damn good Specially Performance by all actors specifically Javed Jaffri Damn good performance by him” and yet another user said, “Mayasabha is a gripping psychological drama that swaps spectacle for soul-stirring performances. A slow-burn descent into greed and illusion. Not for everyone, but a must-watch if you love character-driven tension.”
The slow burn struggle
Despite the visual accolades, the film’s experimental chamber-piece format has divided the audience. Many users on X are warning that Mayasabha is a grueling slow-burn that prioritizes psychological chess and dialogue over traditional thrills or jump scares. For viewers expecting a fast-paced horror movie in the vein of Tumbbad, the theatrical and static nature of the plot has proved to be a major hurdle.
One X user, criticising the movie posted, #Mayasabha, A few scenes are memorable. However, though the film is just 104 minutes, it seems like a tedious affair. Hardly anything happens in the first 20-25 minutes. Also, the goings-on get bizarre at time.” Another posted, “A sophomore from the director of #Tumbbad was eagerly anticipated but don’t recall when was the last time that I snoozed for opening 45 minutes.”