Mayasabha REVIEW: Jaaved Jaaferi Brings A Tense Night Of Greed, Secrets And Survival

Film:
Mayasabha

Director: Rahi Anil Barve

Writer: Rahi Anil Barve

Cast: Jaaved Jaaferi, Mohammad Samad, Veena Jamkar and Deepak Damle

Platform: Theatres

Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes

Mayasabha: The Hall Of Illusion Review

Set almost entirely inside a crumbling, long-forgotten single-screen theatre in Mumbai, Mayasabha is a dark psychological drama that unfolds over a single night. Parmeshwar Khanna (played by Jaaved Jaaferi), once a powerful film producer, now lives like a ghost inside the abandoned theatre with his teenage son Vasu (played by Mohammad Samad). Broken by lost power, unresolved heartbreak, and a fragile mind, Khanna is trapped by a rumour that refuses to die that he hid 40 kilos of gold somewhere inside the theatre but no longer remembers where.

That rumour draws Zeenat (played by Veena Jamkar) and her brother Raoraona (played by Deepak Damle), small-time thieves who enter the theatre under the guise of harmless strangers. What begins as a simple hunt for hidden wealth soon turns into a tense psychological battle. Over the course of the night, manipulation, memory, greed and buried trauma collide, making the theatre feel less like a location and more like a maze of illusions.

What Works

Mayasabha’s biggest strength lies in its atmosphere. The abandoned theatre is haunting, layered with silence, shadows and decay, perfectly mirroring Khanna’s fractured mind.

The writing smartly keeps the drama contained, allowing tension to build gradually through conversations rather than action. The moral ambiguity works well not every character is entirely innocent or entirely evil, which keeps the audience guessing.

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A post shared by Jaaved Jaaferi (@jaavedjaaferi)

What Doesn’t Work

While the slow-burn approach suits the film’s tone, it may test the patience of viewers expecting a fast-paced thriller. Certain stretches feel repetitive, and a few psychological beats could have been explored with more depth. The emotional connect, especially with the supporting characters, doesn’t always land as strongly as it should.

Technical Analysis

The cinematography effectively uses dim lighting and tight frames to enhance the feeling of entrapment. The sound design plays a key role, with eerie silences and subtle echoes adding to the unease.

The background score remains restrained, supporting the mood without overpowering the narrative. The editing could have been sharper in parts to maintain momentum.

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A post shared by Jaaved Jaaferi (@jaavedjaaferi)

Star Performances

Jaaved Jaaferi as Parmeshwar Khanna delivers a controlled, layered performance. He balances madness, intelligence, vulnerability and a total menace with ease, proving once again his range beyond comedy.

Mohammad Samad as Vasu brings quiet sincerity to Vasu. His performance captures innocence, fear, and emotional conflict, making him the film’s emotional anchor.

Veena Jamkar as Zeenat is convincing as the sharp, survival-driven Zeenat. She brings both warmth and manipulation to her character.

Deepak Damle as Raoraona complements well, portraying desperation and greed with subtle restraint.

Conclusion

Mayasabha is an intriguing psychological drama that relies on performances, atmosphere and moral complexity rather than spectacle. It may not cater to everyone, but for viewers who enjoy slow-burning, character-driven stories, this tense night of greed and illusion is worth stepping into.

Watch the trailer here:

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Manisha Karki

Manisha has established a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling with over six years of expertise in the industry. With a deep passion for cinema, she brings a unique perspective to her coverage, making it a trusted voice in the entertainment world.