Rahi Anil Barve, known for his work on Tumbbad, has unveiled his latest feature film, Mayasabha, featuring Jaaved Jaaferi in the lead role. Released in theaters on January 30, the film has garnered a mix of reviews. Barve has been actively sharing insights on social media, offering a glimpse into the film’s production journey. He disclosed that the project began in 2018 with minimal funding and was brought to life by a dedicated team of just 23 individuals.
In a heartfelt post, Barve shared a photo of his crew, reflecting on their collaborative efforts: “By the end of 2018, we were just 23 crew members and 4 passionate actors, working day and night in an old theater for 21 days. The script, written by hand, spanned 90 pages. We paid zero fees (I covered my own travel expenses). Javedji battled asthma in the dust and fog, while we all dealt with exhaustion.”
He emphasized the crucial role played by Girishbhai and Ankur, who wore multiple hats as line producers, executive producers, and financiers, even when the industry doubted them. Barve recalled a visit from directors Raj-DK, who came to assess his on-set capabilities before approving his larger project, Gulkanda Tales, with Prime.
Regarding Mayasabha’s budget, Barve expressed pride in what they accomplished, stating, “We, 23 individuals, created Mayasabha with a 7-figure budget. I’m extremely proud of our work. Our passion for filmmaking transcends money, fame, and recognition. The essence lies in creating films we love. If that’s overlooked, then nothing else matters. Anyone claiming they single-handedly made this film is either deceiving themselves or the world. Enjoy the creative process and don’t be deterred by ratings; focus on delivering returns to those who invested in you.”
Despite the film’s modest budget and small team, Barve’s ambition shines through. He concluded, “Kuldeep, Girishbhai, Rahi, Ankur—the four broke guys who made Mayasabha in 2018, alongside 19 talented teammates, operated on a budget that might surprise many. It’s possible to achieve almost zero-budget filmmaking without sacrificing production quality or relying on industry support. Whether you love or hate Mayasabha, it’s a testament to what can be achieved. I’m proud of our accomplishment. If we can do it, so can you.”