Deepak Kumar Mishra’s The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest takes audiences deep into the heart of Bihar, where ancient folklore, forbidden forests, and a rationalist’s homecoming collide in a rich supernatural saga. Anchored by Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia, the film draws inspiration from the same mythological wellspring that made Tumbbad and Kantara cinematic landmarks, blending regional legend with modern visual spectacle. With striking cinematography, an evocative folk-inspired score, and a premise that dares to explore faith versus rationalism, greed versus preservation, The Vvaan offers a distinctive addition to Hindi cinema’s growing folklore-fantasy genre.
The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest follows Rishi (Sidharth Malhotra), a city-bred rationalist who returns to his ancestral village in Bihar with his wife Mamta (Tamannaah Bhatia) to sell inherited land, only to be pulled into an ancient legend surrounding Van Devi and a forbidden forest. When an old seal is broken, a dormant supernatural force awakens, forcing Rishi to confront a world far beyond his rational understanding. Director Deepak Kumar Mishra builds an atmospheric, folklore-rich first half that establishes the village, its customs, and the tension between development and preservation, before escalating into a VFX-driven battle between good and evil in the second half. Backed by earthy cinematography from Manu Anand, a haunting score from Sandeep Shirodkar, and committed performances across the board, the film is an ambitious, visually immersive fantasy-thriller that brings Bihar’s rich mythology to the big screen with genuine conviction.
Cast & Crew
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Deepak Kumar Mishra |
| Cast | Sidharth Malhotra, Tamannaah Bhatia, Sunil Grover, Shweta Tiwari, Anup Soni, Maniesh Paul |
| Cinematographer | Manu Anand |
| Music Director | Sandeep Shirodkar |
| Genre | Fantasy, Mystery & Thriller |
| Language | Hindi |
| Runtime | 2 hrs 17 mins |
| Certificate | UA |
| Release Date | 25 September, 2026 |
Plot Summary
Rishi, a rationalist who has built his life in the city, returns to his ancestral village in Bihar with his wife Mamta, intending to sell off inherited family land. His homecoming brings him face-to-face with an old village belief: a forest that no one is permitted to enter after sunset. Rishi dismisses the warning as mere superstition, but a brewing land dispute — fuelled by Deepak’s push to clear part of the forest for better village-to-city connectivity — draws him closer to its secrets. When Rishi ventures into the forbidden territory and inadvertently breaks an ancient seal, a powerful supernatural force is unleashed. What follows is Rishi’s journey from skeptic to believer, as he’s forced to reckon with a mystical world of Van Devi, divine energies, and an awakening evil that threatens everything he once dismissed.
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Star Performances
Sidharth Malhotra anchors the film with real sincerity, carrying much of its dramatic and physical weight as Rishi. He brings a grounded conviction to the role, making Rishi’s journey from rational skeptic to reluctant believer feel earnest, and he clearly commits fully to the film’s demanding action sequences.
Tamannaah Bhatia brings a quiet restraint and emotional depth to Mamta, whose ties to the village’s spiritual history add a layer of intrigue to the story. Her presence lends grace to the film, and her energetic Thummak Thummak number is a delightful, spirited highlight.
Sunil Grover delivers a genuinely pleasant surprise as Deepak, stepping into unfamiliar dramatic territory with unpredictability and nuance that adds welcome texture to the village dynamics.
Shweta Tiwari brings her trademark screen presence and authenticity to the village setting, helping ground the film’s world in believability.
Anup Soni lends the film gravitas with a dependable, textured supporting turn that adds to the village’s authentic atmosphere.
Maniesh Paul rounds out the ensemble with a natural ease, contributing to the film’s believable community feel alongside the rest of the supporting cast.
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Technical Analysis
Direction
Deepak Kumar Mishra shows genuine ambition in bringing Bihar’s Van Devi folklore to the screen, successfully building an atmospheric, curiosity-driven first half that establishes the village and its mythology with care.
Cinematography
Manu Anand’s camerawork is a standout, giving the forest an earthy, textured, almost tangible quality through dense foliage, shadow, and mist — lending real credibility to the film’s supernatural elements.
Music/Score
Sandeep Shirodkar’s score, paired with folk-inspired chants, complements the film’s mythological setting beautifully. The Chhath Puja sequences and the Chhathi Maiya song bring authentic regional flavour, while Thummak Thummak offers an energetic musical breather.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Rich, distinctive folklore rooted in Bihar’s Van Devi legend
- Striking, atmospheric cinematography that grounds the supernatural in tangible visuals
- Strong, committed performances led by Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia
- Evocative music and folk chants that enhance the mythological tone
- Ambitious VFX work, especially around the mystical tiger sequences
- A believable, well-cast village ensemble
Weaknesses:
- Second half leans into familiar good-vs-evil genre conventions
- Some plot threads, like the land dispute, could have been woven more organically into the supernatural arc
- A few mythological revelations feel rushed rather than gradually unveiled
Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5/5 Stars
The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest is an ambitious, visually rich folklore-fantasy that brings Bihar’s mythology to life with genuine atmosphere and heart. Backed by earnest performances from Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia, striking cinematography, and a memorable score, the film delivers an engaging supernatural adventure that fantasy and thriller fans will thoroughly enjoy.
What is the certification rating of The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest?
The film is rated UA (Unrestricted Public Exhibition, with parental guidance for children under 12) with a runtime of 2 hours 17 minutes.
Is The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest suitable for children and family viewing?
Given its UA certification and supernatural/thriller elements, the film is best suited for older children and family viewers with parental guidance, rather than young children.
Is The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest based on a true story?
No, the film is a fictional fantasy-thriller inspired by regional folklore and legend surrounding Van Devi and a forbidden forest in Bihar, rather than being based on real events.
