IMDb Scores 8.3 Even Before Release! Director of ‘Tumbbad’ Returns with a Film That’s Already Creating Buzz

Some films stand out purely for their unconventional storytelling, and Mayasabha seems set to follow in that tradition. Helmed by Rahi Anil Barve, co-director of the cult classic Tumbbad (2018), Mayasabha has already garnered an impressive 8.3 rating on IMDb, even before its official release on 30 January 2026.

A Teaser That Captivates

The 1-minute teaser of Mayasabha – The Hall of Illusion immediately signals Barve’s intent to recreate the cult magic of Tumbbad. A large, dust-filled hall sets the scene, with a boy wearing a helmet reading scattered books amidst broken chandeliers and scattered items. Javed Jaffrey’s voice resonates: “Clay, gold… it’s all the same to me, brother. I don’t care.”

The teaser continues with mysterious imagery: the boy walking briskly on the street, diners in the dim hall, and a long-haired man searching with light in hand while wearing a mask. A haunting couplet by Kabir is recited: “Matti kahe kumhar se, tu kya ronda mohe… ek din aayega, main rondaungi tohe.” The character adds, “The clay isn’t just speaking to the potter… it’s speaking to all of us. Day and night, it says—I will crush you… I will crush you…”

The teaser concludes with Jaffrey’s character in a chillingly intriguing avatar, declaring: “The most dangerous weapon in the world… a smile.”

Plot Overview

According to IMDb and ticketing platforms, Mayasabha is a psychological thriller centered around a dilapidated old theater. Inside this abandoned cinema lives a man amidst decaying remnants. A group of people enters the theater, and as they venture further, the line between reality and illusion begins to blur. The hall of illusions challenges their perception, leaving them questioning their own existence.

Critical Buzz Even Before Release

Rahi Anil Barve describes Mayasabha as a deeply personal and layered journey: “I want viewers to experience this world, to connect with its emotions, ideas, and hidden truths.” The film recently premiered at the Annabhau Sathe Film Festival in Pune, where it received an overwhelmingly positive response, which contributed to its early IMDb rating. Additionally, Mayasabha will be screened at the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) 2026 in the Indian Cinema section on 17 January.

Release Date

Audiences will finally witness Barve’s new journey into the world of illusions when Mayasabha hits theaters on 30 January 2026. Following the cult success of Tumbbad, expectations are high for another cinematic experience that promises to thrill both heart and mind.