Mayasabha: The Hall of Illusion, the second directorial venture from Tumbbad director Rahi Anil Barve, hit theaters today, January 30, 2026 to a quieter-than-expected reception. Despite the filmmaker's cult status and glowing reviews from the festival circuit, advance bookings across major metros have remained "dull," sparking concerns over the commercial viability of niche, atmospheric cinema in a crowded market. ‘Mayasabha’: ‘Tumbbad’ Director Rahi Anil Barve Says His Next Film Blends Symbolism With Suspense.

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Limited Screens

While the film was one of the most anticipated indie projects of the year, it has faced significant hurdles in securing prime showtimes. In major hubs like Mumbai and Delhi, fans have reported a surprising lack of screens, with many existing shows scheduled for odd hours, either very early in the morning or late at night. "I checked several theatre schedules and hardly any screens are allocated to the film in my city," noted one frustrated moviegoer on social media. This limited visibility has directly impacted advance sales, as the film competes for audience attention with more mainstream releases like Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani 3 and the action-heavy Border 2.

The ‘Tumbbad’ Comparison

Trade analysts suggest that the "slow burn" nature of Barve’s storytelling might be working against its initial box office numbers. Unlike the mass-market appeal of typical Bollywood thrillers, Mayasabha is a psychological maze set almost entirely inside a decaying Mumbai theatre. "Tumbbad was also a slow starter that grew through word-of-mouth," says a Mumbai-based trade expert. "However, the current climate is even more challenging. Audiences are now conditioned to wait for OTT releases unless a film is marketed as a 'must-see' theatrical spectacle. Mayasabha is brilliant, but it’s a niche gem that needs time to breathe." ‘Tumbbad’ Re-Release Box Office Verdict – Hit or Flop: Sohum Shah’s Horror Film Has Eclipsed Lifetime Collections of These Movies of Ajay Devgn, John Abraham, Janhvi Kapoor in 2024!

Jaaved Jaaferi Earns Praise

Despite the slow start at the ticket windows, the film itself is receiving high praise from those who have managed to see it. Jaaved Jaaferi’s performance as Parmeshwar Khanna, a broken former producer, is being hailed as a career-defining turn. Critics have noted his ability to convey "intense grief and delusion" with minimal dialogue, marking a stark departure from his more comedic roles. Director Rahi Anil Barve recently reflected on the difficulty of bringing such unconventional stories to the big screen. "I cannot tell stories without building the world in detail," Barve stated during a press event. "It is discouraging to see these worlds struggle for a place in the theater, but we believe in the audience that seeks out unique cinema."

Watch 'Mayasabha: The Hall of Illusion' Trailer:

'Mayasabha’s Box Office Hinges

With a runtime of just 104 minutes, Mayasabha is being praised for its tight pacing and atmospheric cinematography by Kuldeep Mamania. However, its survival at the box office will now depend entirely on whether the positive first-day reviews can translate into a weekend "uptick." This video explores director Rahi Anil Barve’s journey in creating immersive worlds and why he believes high-concept films like Mayasabha are increasingly difficult to release in today's shifting industry landscape.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 30, 2026 04:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).