Mayasabha Movie Review: Javed Jaffrey delivers a powerful performance in Anil Rahi Barve’s dark thriller. Read full review, story, cast, rating, and verdict.
The much-awaited psychological drama Mayasabha: The Hall of Illusion has finally hit theatres on January 30, 2026. Featuring Javed Jaffrey in a never-seen-before intense role, the film marks the return of Anil Rahi Barve, the filmmaker who earlier impressed audiences with Tumbbad.
Interestingly, Mayasabha arrived with almost zero promotion. Yet, thanks to strong word-of-mouth and Jaffrey’s performance, the film is slowly gaining attention among cinema lovers who enjoy artistic and unconventional storytelling.
Mayasabha Movie Review: Plot Summary
Mayasabha: The Hall of Illusion is a tightly packed 100-minute film set over a single night. The story revolves around four characters:
- Parmeshwar Khanna (Javed Jaffrey)
- Zeenat (Veena Jamkar)
- Vasu (Mohammad Samad)
- Ravrana (Deepak Damle)
Parmeshwar was once a successful film producer but now lives inside his abandoned theatre with his son Vasu. Mentally unstable and aggressive, Parmeshwar often abuses Vasu.
Troubled by his father’s behavior, Vasu confides in his friend Ravrana and Ravrana’s sister Zeenat, claiming that Parmeshwar has hidden 40 kilograms of gold inside the theatre. What follows is a dangerous game of greed, fear, and manipulation, as all three attempt to locate the treasure.
However, this is not a straightforward gold-hunt story. Instead, Mayasabha slowly transforms into a psychological maze where every character hides secrets—and nothing is quite what it seems.
Mayasabha Movie Review: Performances
Without exaggeration, 90% of the film rests on Javed Jaffrey’s shoulders—and he carries it effortlessly.
Known mostly for comedy and television, Jaffrey delivers what could easily be called one of the finest performances of his career. His portrayal of Parmeshwar Khanna is disturbing, layered, and emotionally exhausting in the best way possible.
Mohammad Samad brings innocence and vulnerability to Vasu, reminding viewers of his earlier impactful work. Veena Jamkar delivers a solid performance as Zeenat, while Deepak Damle appears almost unrecognizable in a stylish new avatar, fitting perfectly into the film’s dark tone.
Collectively, the cast keeps the tension alive throughout.
Direction & Screenplay
Anil Rahi Barve once again proves that he is not interested in formula cinema. His screenplay is bold and suspenseful, successfully holding mystery till the very end.
That said, some creative choices feel logically weak. Much of the narrative relies on characters narrating their past while viewers imagine events. At places, realism takes a backseat to experimentation.
Still, the climax twist is powerful enough to forgive most shortcomings.
While Mayasabha does not reach the perfection of Tumbbad, it firmly establishes Barve’s signature style—slow-burn tension, psychological depth, and symbolic storytelling.
Mayasabha Movie Review: Final Verdict – Should You Watch It?
If you enjoy art-house cinema, psychological thrillers, and unconventional narratives, Mayasabha is worth watching on the big screen.
This is not mass entertainment. Instead, it’s a layered, moody experience driven by performance and atmosphere rather than spectacle.
Rating: 3/5
Conclusion
Mayasabha: The Hall of Illusion may not appeal to everyone, but for viewers seeking something different from mainstream Bollywood, this film offers a haunting and thought-provoking experience.