The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest
2026 Indian film by Deepak Kumar Mishra
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The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest is an upcoming Indian Hindi-language fantasy thriller film directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra. The film stars Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia in the lead roles, with Anup Soni, Sunil Grover, Shweta Tiwari and Maniesh Paul in supporting roles.[1]
| The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Deepak Kumar Mishra |
| Written by | Arunabh Kumar |
| Screenplay by | Arunabh Kumar |
| Story by | Arunabh Kumar |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Manu Anand |
| Edited by | Nitin Baid |
| Music by | Songs: Vishal Mishra Amit Trivedi Tanishk Bagchi Sam C. S. Score: Sandeep Shirodkar |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | Pen Marudhar |
Release date |
|
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
The film is based around Indian folklore and combines elements of supernatural fantasy, mythology, action and thriller. It is produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ekta Kapoor, Arunabh Kumar and Niraj Kothari, with Balaji Motion Pictures, TVF Motion Pictures, and 11:11 Productions associated with the production.[2] The film is inspired by the real Van Devi Temple, Bihta near Patna and its folklore.[3]
The film is scheduled to be released theatrically in India on 25 September 2026.[4]
Plot
The film follows a rational, city-dwelling man who returns to his ancestral village. The village maintains a longstanding prohibition against entering a particular forest, particularly after sunset. Initially dismissing the local beliefs as superstition, he enters the forbidden area and encounters a supernatural force associated with the forest and an ancient goddess.[5]
According to the teaser, the protagonist's connection with the forest is linked to his identity and ancestry. Tamannaah Bhatia's character appears to have a romantic connection with the protagonist and helps him understand the mystery surrounding the forest.[6]
Cast
- Sidharth Malhotra
- Tamannaah Bhatia as Mamta
- Anup Soni as Shashi Bhaiya
- Shweta Tiwari as Shushila
- Sunil Grover as Deepak
- Maniesh Paul as VP
- Durgesh Kumar as Patrkaar
- Sundip Ved as King
- Akshaan Sehrawat as Ricky
- Ajay Raju as Bus Conductor
- Aniket Sanghavi as Brash Man 1
Production
Development
The film was announced in November 2024 under the title Vvan: Force of the Forrest. The announcement described the project as a folk-mythological thriller and featured imagery centred on a mysterious forest and a warning against entering it after sunset. Deepak Kumar Mishra, known for directing the television series Panchayat, was initially announced as the director.[1]
The project was developed as part of a collaboration between Balaji Motion Pictures and The Viral Fever (TVF).[7] The two companies had announced a creative partnership in 2023.[2]
Filming
The film was described as being set in the forests and heartlands of Central India. The production used forest locations as part of the film's visual setting.[8]
Manu Anand served as director of photography, while Nitin Baid was the editor. Production design was handled by Amit Ray and Subrata Chakraborty.[9]
Reported reshoots
In June 2026, DT Next reported that the production was planning an additional ten-day shooting schedule intended to strengthen the film's climax.[10]
In August 2026, Moneycontrol, citing a report by Filmfare, reported that the film had undergone reshoots and re-editing and that changes had reportedly been made to the creative team. The report also stated that a further 17-day reshoot had been planned.[11]
The Indian Express also reported on uncertainty surrounding the production following reports concerning TVF's involvement and reshoots, while noting that the subsequent teaser confirmed the film's planned theatrical release.[6]
Release
The film was originally announced in November 2024 for release around Chhath in 2025.[1]
In May 2025, the producers announced 15 May 2026 as the new theatrical release date.[2]
The release was subsequently moved to 28 August 2026. In July 2026, the makers announced a further postponement, setting the release date for 25 September 2026. The change was reported as an attempt to avoid a crowded release period that included Toxic and Eetha.[4]
The film is scheduled for a 25 September 2026 theatrical release date.[5]
Marketing
The first official teaser highlighted elements of Indian folklore, mythology, supernatural forces and action.[5] The teaser received coverage for its visual style and combination of folklore, mythology and supernatural elements. The Indian Express described the teaser as visually arresting and characterized the film as incorporating elements of folk horror, mythology and action.[6]