The Vvaan: Force of the Forest is a Hindi mythological supernatural thriller starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia in the lead roles. Directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra, the film combines Indian folklore, faith, family emotions, village traditions and supernatural mystery. Released in theatres on September 25, 2026, the movie attempts to create a different kind of fantasy world around a mysterious forest and the legend of Van Devi.
The story revolves around Rishi, played by Sidharth Malhotra, and his wife Mamta, played by Tamannaah Bhatia. The couple returns to their ancestral village of Devanchal during Chhath Puja. Rishi is a rational-minded man who has gradually moved away from his earlier belief in Van Devi. However, his return to the village brings him face-to-face with an old legend surrounding a forest that villagers are forbidden from entering after sunset. What begins as a family and land-related matter gradually turns into a supernatural battle involving faith, tradition and an ancient evil force.
One of the most interesting aspects of the film is its basic concept. The combination of a forbidden forest, an ancient goddess, village folklore and a modern man who questions traditional beliefs gives the movie a strong foundation. The Chhath Puja setting also gives the film a distinctly Indian cultural atmosphere. Several reviews have noted that the folklore-based world and the film's initial setup are among its stronger elements.
Sidharth Malhotra plays Rishi as a practical and rational character who is gradually forced to confront things that he cannot easily explain. Tamannaah Bhatia brings emotional depth to Mamta, particularly through her character's devotion and personal longing. Their performances are generally sincere, although critics have pointed out that the screenplay does not always give their relationship enough emotional space.
The film's biggest problem is its screenplay. The first half establishes an intriguing mystery, but the story becomes increasingly crowded as more characters, explanations and supernatural elements are introduced. Instead of allowing the mystery to develop naturally, the screenplay frequently explains its mythology, which reduces some of the suspense. Several reviews have specifically criticised the second half for losing focus and becoming less effective.
The supernatural portions also produce mixed results. The film clearly attempts to create a large-scale fantasy world, but some of the VFX and supernatural creatures have been criticised for looking overly digital. The forest, which should have been one of the film's most frightening elements, does not always create the level of tension that the story promises.
There are still some entertaining moments. Maniesh Paul provides comic relief, while Sunil Grover takes on a darker role that is quite different from his usual comic image. Anup Soni and Shweta Tiwari also contribute to the supporting cast. The combination of folklore, humour, mythology and family drama gives the movie a distinctive identity, even though the execution is uneven.
Overall, The Vvaan: Force of the Forest has an interesting Indian folklore-based idea and some atmospheric moments, but its crowded screenplay and uneven second half prevent the concept from reaching its full potential. Current reviews are mixed, with several critics placing the film around 2–2.5 out of 5, while some reviewers have responded more positively to its blend of folklore, fantasy and humour.
For viewers who enjoy Indian mythology, supernatural mysteries, village folklore and fantasy thrillers, The Vvaan may be worth exploring for its concept and cultural setting. However, expectations should be kept in check because the film's execution becomes less consistent as the story progresses.