What VVAN Is About
VVAN – Force of the Forest centers on a rational city dweller who defies a family taboo and ventures into an ancestral forbidden forest, inadvertently awakening a divine goddess and discovering powers that exist beyond reason. What follows is a transformation: the protagonist must rise as his village's savior to protect his people from annihilation. It's a warrior's journey, but one grounded in mythology rather than straightforward action spectacle. The film is being positioned as a folk-thriller that merges supernatural horror with a protagonist bound by mystical connection to the very forest he's destined to protect.
The Cast and Creative Team
According to Bollywood Hungama, the film brings together Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia in the lead roles, with supporting cast including Maniesh Paul, Sunil Grover, Shweta Tiwari, and Anup Soni. Directors Arunabh Kumar and Deepak Kumar Mishra helm the project under production banners TVF Motion Pictures and Balaji Telefilms — a partnership that signals ambition beyond the typical action-thriller template. The film is listed as completed, with principal photography wrapped in India.
Why This Matters Now
What's striking is the appetite for mythology-driven thrillers in Hindi cinema right now. We're seeing audiences hungry for stories that don't just borrow from folklore as window dressing — they want narratives where the supernatural isn't a plot device but the foundation. VVAN appears to be betting on that hunger. The casting of Malhotra, known for grounded action roles, opposite Bhatia, who's carved space for complex female characters, suggests the filmmakers aren't interested in a one-note hero's journey. There's something more layered being attempted here, though we won't know until it lands.
The production delay — the film was initially slated for a Chhath 2025 release before shifting to 2026 — might actually work in its favor. Extra time in post-production, especially for a film juggling supernatural effects with intimate character moments, isn't always a bad thing.
Release Date and Where to Watch
VVAN is expected to release theatrically on August 28, 2026. As of now, the film hasn't premiered, and no streaming rights have been announced — so it's not available anywhere yet. Movie OTT will track the film's availability across platforms as soon as deals are confirmed. Use the Where-to-Watch widget on this page to get notified the moment it becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is VVAN releasing? VVAN – Force of the Forest is expected to release theatrically on August 28, 2026.
Is VVAN out yet? No. The film hasn't been released. It's currently in post-production and is expected to arrive in theaters in 2026.
Who stars in VVAN? Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia lead the cast, alongside Maniesh Paul, Sunil Grover, Shweta Tiwari, and Anup Soni.
Where will I be able to watch VVAN? Streaming availability hasn't been confirmed yet. The film will release theatrically first. Movie OTT will announce OTT details as soon as they're made public — check back or use the notification feature to stay updated.
Who's directing VVAN? The film is directed by Arunabh Kumar and Deepak Kumar Mishra, produced by TVF Motion Pictures and Balaji Telefilms.
What to Look Forward To
There's real curiosity here. A mythology-rooted thriller with this cast and production pedigree doesn't come around every quarter. Whether VVAN lands as a genuine innovation in the genre or a well-intentioned swing that misses — that's the question hanging over 2026. Either way, it's worth your attention.
