Mayasabha is a once in a lifetime cinematic experience. A film that only a genius like Rahi Anil Barve can write and direct. After Tumbbad, he has struck gold with this one too. This one is gold because it is about gold and you need to visit the theater to find the gold.
It is a very different and unique cinematic experience from Tumbbad. This shows the range of the director and the mastery over his craft. His vision is something else. There is no one from Indian Cinema who can compete with him. I am surprised how ‘second film from the writer-director of Tumbbad’, is not enough to generate the hype that the film deserves. People should be going crazy over this film. Rahi Anil Barve is a gem of Indian Cinema. Why Indian Cinema? Because the Hindi Film Industry doesn’t deserve him. He is meant to go global with his talent and his brand of cinema.
The film is super engaging. You don’t realise when the film starts and when it ends. You are so engrossed that you don’t feel the duration of the film; the world of the film completely engulfs you. You don’t feel like getting up during the interval. The film has an enchanting rhythm and pace. Every department has done an excellent job; the cinematography, the editing, the production design, the background music, the sound design. I like the lighting of the film. It elevates the shots to the next level. Some of the shots are so beautifully crafted because of the lighting, the framing and the composition. The film has its own unique visual grammar like Tumbbad. The visual storytelling is fantastic. It is a perfect amalgamation of style and content. So much of storytelling is happening through the dialogues. The dialogues are terrific. They add layers to the narrative. The characters are interesting. I liked the twisted father-son relationship. It is intriguing.
The setting and the production design is something that stands out. The set up adds character to the storytelling. The smoke keeps the feeling of illusion alive. The background music and the sound design is the backbone of the film. They contribute immensely to the thrill of the cinematic experience. It is a film that gave me Jalsaghar (1958) vibes. It reminded me of the Satyajit Ray masterpiece.
The performances are fabulous. Jaaved Jaaferi is a superstar. This has to be his best performance. He has portrayed the complexities of the character so well. He has transitioned between the various emotions so effortlessly. His reactions, his mannerisms; he has picked up the minutest detail of the character. Mohammad Samad is impressive. He portrays the innocence of the character well. Veena Jamkar shines in portraying the various layers of her character. She plays her character realistically. Deepak Damle puts up a fine performance.
Mayasabha is a never seen before cinematic experience. It is one of the best films of this year. It is a film that is going to be on your mind long after it’s over. It has a repeat value. It is a must watch. I would highly recommend it. A cinematic experience that is not to be missed in the theater.
