The first trailer of director Rahi Anil Barve’s psychological thriller Mayasabha was released on January 21, 2026, offering audiences a gripping glimpse into a mystery surrounding missing gold and the dark depths of human greed.
The film stars Jaaved Jaaferi in the lead role, delivering what appears to be an intense performance centered around deception and hidden treasures. The trailer opens with Jaaferi’s character philosophizing about concealment: “If you want to hide something, keep it in front of people, in the open. Nobody will see it. They won’t hear it, no matter how many times you say.”
The Central Mystery
The narrative revolves around 40 kilograms of undocumented 24-carat gold biscuits mysteriously hidden within an empty theatre. The twist intensifies when it’s revealed that the person who concealed the gold has forgotten its exact location, setting the stage for a psychological game among those searching for it.
As the trailer progresses, Jaaferi’s character reflects on his career as a producer: “I produced three major movies within two years. I selected those scripts after careful thought. Those three films were supposed to flop. But the three of them were hits.” His bewildered question, “What did the audience want?” is met with a significant pause before someone mentions “gold,” prompting nervous laughter from the group.
Dark Visuals and Intense Storytelling
The trailer concludes with disturbing imagery including bloodshed, shadowy rooms, and a character dying from suffocation, establishing the film’s dark psychological tone. Barve appears to be exploring themes of greed, illusion, and betrayal through layered storytelling.
Cast and Production
Beyond Jaaferi, Mayasabha features Veena Jamkar, Deepak Damle, and Mohammad Samad in pivotal roles. The film is a Zirkon Films P Ltd production, presented by Pickle Entertainment’s Sameer Dixit and Rishikesh Bhirangi.
Backing the project are producers Girish Patel and Ankoor J Singh, with co-producers Shamrao Bhagwan Yadav, Chanda Yadav, Kewal Handa, and Manish Handa. Ashish Ningurkar serves as creative consultant.
Director’s Previous Work
Rahi Anil Barve previously co-directed the critically acclaimed period folk-horror film Tumbbad (2018), which starred Sohum Shah. The film was re-released on September 13, 2024, following its cult following. A sequel to Tumbbad is currently in development, with Shah set to direct and play a pivotal role. Pen Studios has partnered with Sohum Shah Films for the anticipated follow-up.
Mayasabha is scheduled for theatrical release on January 30, 2026, promising audiences a dark exploration of human nature wrapped in mystery and suspense.
