'Tumbbad’ director Rahi Anil Barve on stalled projects and 'Mayasabha': ‘Even Sacred Games won’t see the light of day’

Filmmaker Rahi Anil Barve earned cult status with 'Tumbbad', a film now widely regarded as a modern classic of Indian cinema. The director is now gearing up for his upcoming release, 'Mayasabha – The Hall of Illusion,' while also reflecting on his long-delayed projects.

A filmmaker drawn to immersive worlds

According to OTT Play, after 'Tumbbad', Anil Barve mapped out three projects — 'Mayasabha', 'Rakt Brahmand: The Bloody Kingdom', and 'Gulkanda Tales'. Each idea pushed him towards deep world-building. He believes stories demand complete immersion, not shortcuts. Explaining his approach, he said, “I cannot tell stories without building the world in detail. I wish people could see what we have done in Gulkanda Tales. It is an entirely different world.”

Why 'Gulkanda Tales' remains stalled

Among his projects, Gulkanda Tales has faced the longest pause. Barve revealed that he invested five years in the show after Tumbbad. Addressing frequent questions about the gap, he shared, “Everyone asks me what I did all these years. That’s what I did. The show was ready in 2023 and unfortunately has been stuck ever since due to various reasons.”

Reflecting on the changing industry climate, he added, “Even Sacred Games won’t see the light of day in today’s times.” His comment underlines the growing hesitation around bold and unconventional narratives.

Inside 'Mayasabha – The Hall of Illusion'

Set almost entirely inside an abandoned Mumbai theatre, Mayasabha unfolds like a psychological maze. The film stars Jaaved Jaaferi as a paranoid man who has cut himself off from society and lives with his 14-year-old son. Their fragile world shifts when two strangers enter the space, triggering suspicion, greed, and betrayal. At the centre of the story is a secret cache of documented gold and a tense cat-and-mouse game.

Cast and release details

'Mayasabha – The Hall of Illusion' is scheduled for release on January 30, 2026. The film stars Jaaved Jaaferi alongside Mohd. Samad, Veena Jamkar, and Deepak Damle.

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