Tumbbad Director Rahi Anil Barve Returns! Mayasabha First Look Featuring Jaaved Jaaferi is Pure Nightmare Fuel

Okay, stop everything you are doing. The internet is screaming, and for once, it’s not about a celebrity breakup. Rahi Anil Barve the genius brain who gave us the masterpiece Tumbbad is finally back, and he chose violence with this first look. If you’ve been re-watching Tumbbad every Halloween and praying for a sequel, this is your moment. The first poster for his next film, 'Mayasabha', just dropped, and it stars Jaaved Jaaferi in a look that is absolute "Main Character Energy" gone dark. Forget the funny commentary from Takeshi’s Castle; this man is serving pure, unadulterated dread. We are shook, we are seated, and we are ready to be traumatized again.

Why We Are Obsessed

Jaaved Jaaferi enters his "Villain Era"

Let’s talk about the elephant (or should I say, the Hastar) in the room. The left side of the poster shows Jaaved Jaaferi as Parmeshwar Khanna, and the transformation is wild. The grey beard, the intense "I’ve seen things you wouldn't believe" stare—it’s giving gritty, psychological thriller vibes.

The Tea: Jaaved Jaaferi has called this the "most difficult character" of his 40-year career. When a legend says that, you know the performance is going to be oscar-worthy (or at least Filmfare-sweeping).

The Gas Mask & The Gold: What does it mean?!

The right side of the image is living rent-free in my head. A figure covered in what looks like gold dust (hello, Tumbbad reference?) wearing a vintage industrial gas mask.

The Theory: Is it a post-apocalyptic world? Is it a curse? Rahi Anil Barve is known for mixing Indian folklore with dark fantasy. This isn't just a movie; it looks like a claustrophobic nightmare set in a dilapidated world. The visuals are screaming "Dystopian Desi Horror," and the aesthetic is 10/10.

The "Mayasabha" Plot Twist

Here is the exclusive scoop we’ve gathered: The movie isn't just a simple horror flick. It’s set in an abandoned theatre. Jaaved Jaaferi plays a former big-shot producer (think the Karan Johar of his time) who is now living in ruins, paranoid about "mosquitoes" (hence the gas mask and smoke?), protecting a secret.

Vibe: It’s giving The Last of Us meets Omkara. It’s a cat-and-mouse game involving gold, greed, and a "smoke demon."

TL;DR

• Movie Title: Mayasabha

• Director: Rahi Anil Barve (The guy who directed Tumbbad)

• Lead Star: Jaaved Jaaferi as Parmeshwar Khanna

• Release Date: January 16, 2026 (Mark your calendars!)

• Genre: Folk Horror / Psychological Thriller / Fantasy

• Production: Pickle Entertainment, Zirkon Films, Astonia Media

• The Hype: Part of Rahi Anil Barve's "triptych" (trilogy) of films including Tumbbad and Pahadpangira.

Fans Also Asked (FAQs) Is Mayasabha a sequel to Tumbbad?

Technically, no. It is not Tumbbad 2. However, it is the second film in Rahi Anil Barve’s planned "trilogy" of films that explore greed and Indian mythology. Think of it as a "spiritual successor" with the same dark, atmospheric vibe.

What is the release date of Mayasabha?

The makers have confirmed that Mayasabha will hit theaters on January 16, 2026. Yes, it's a bit of a wait, but perfection takes time (remember Tumbbad took years to make!).

Who is Parmeshwar Khanna in the movie Mayasabha?

Parmeshwar Khanna is the character played by Jaaved Jaaferi. He is described as a fallen film producer living in an abandoned theatre, suffering from paranoia and hiding dark secrets.

What is the story of Rahi Anil Barve's Mayasabha?

The plot revolves around a recluse living in a ruined theatre with his son. The story kicks off when strangers arrive, triggering a deadly treasure hunt for "gold" and a battle against a mysterious "smoke demon."