The much-anticipated trailer for Mayasabha, a psychological thriller directed by Rahi Anil Barve, dropped on January 21, 2026, offering audiences a chilling glimpse into a world of greed, deception, and a baffling hunt for missing gold.
Fronted by Jaaved Jaaferi in a complex lead role, the film’s narrative revolves around the unexplained disappearance of 40 kilograms of unaccounted 24-carat gold, hidden somewhere inside an old theatre. The twist? The person who concealed it has no recollection of where it lies.
From its opening moments, the trailer sets a foreboding tone. Jaaferi’s character delivers a cryptic observation about human perception, likening it to fish failing to recognise water — a metaphor that encapsulates the film’s thematic exploration of how truth can remain invisible even when it’s in plain sight.
As the story unfolds, viewers are drawn into tense exchanges between characters, one of which reveals the gold’s existence and its mysterious location. These revelations are accompanied by unsettling silences and sudden bursts of dark humour, underscoring the psychological tension at the heart of the film.
The trailer gradually escalates, blending moments of intrigue with stark visuals — blood-spattered scenes, claustrophobic rooms, and unsettling imagery of a character gasping for breath. It’s clear that Mayasabha isn’t just about the missing treasure, but also about the destructive allure of greed, the falsehoods we cling to, and the human capacity for betrayal.
Supporting Jaaferi in pivotal roles are Veena Jamkar, Deepak Damle, and Mohammad Samad, each adding depth to the film’s layered narrative. Produced under Zirkon Films P Ltd and presented by Pickle Entertainment (Sameer Dixit and Rishikesh Bhirangi), the project is backed by Girish Patel and Ankoor J Singh, with co-producers Shamrao Bhagwan Yadav, Chanda Yadav, Kewal Handa, and Manish Handa. Creative guidance comes from Ashish Ningurkar.
Director Rahi Anil Barve is no stranger to atmospheric storytelling. His earlier work, the critically acclaimed period folk-horror Tumbbad (2018), co-directed with Sohum Shah, left a lasting mark on Indian cinema. That film saw a re-release in September 2026, further cementing Barve’s reputation as a filmmaker unafraid to delve into dark, allegorical territory.
Fans will be pleased to know that a sequel to Tumbbad is already in development, with Sohum Shah set to direct and star. Pen Studios has partnered with Sohum Shah.
