The Vvaan Review: Sidharth Malhotra, Tamannaah Lead an Uneven Folk Thriller

The Vvaan: Force of the Forest is a Hindi folk thriller directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Arunabh Kumar, starring Sidharth Malhotra, Tamannaah Bhatia, Sunil Grover, Anup Soni, Shweta Tiwari and Maniesh Paul. The film follows a grieving couple who return to their ancestral village for Chhath Puja and become involved in an old forest legend involving Van Devi and supernatural forces. The movie has a promising folklore-based concept and some atmospheric moments, but the screenplay keeps adding new ideas until the original mystery loses its impact.

The Vvaan Movie Details

The film was released theatrically on 25 September 2026. It combines Indian folklore, Chhath Puja, supernatural elements and a conflict between traditional beliefs and modern development.

The Vvaan Story Overview

Rishi (Sidharth Malhotra) returns to his ancestral village Devanchal with his wife Mamta (Tamannaah Bhatia) for Chhath Puja and a family land dispute. The couple is also dealing with grief after losing their unborn child six years earlier. Rishi, who once believed in Van Devi, has gradually become a rationalist after the tragedy. Devanchal has a strict rule that nobody should enter the forest after sunset.

According to the local legend, dark supernatural forces were trapped inside the forest centuries ago after Van Devi created a protective boundary around the village. Rishi eventually enters the forest after a villager's ox wanders inside. When he returns safely, the villagers begin believing that he could be the rightful descendant connected to the ancient legend.

At the same time, local businessman Deepak (Sunil Grover) wants development in the area and plans to build a road through the forest. The rest of the story focuses on the conflict between Rishi, Deepak, the villagers and the supernatural forces hidden inside the forest.

The Vvaan Review: A Good Folk Tale Buried Under Too Many Ideas

The biggest strength of The Vvaan is its central concept. A goddess, a forbidden forest, an ancient bloodline, a grieving couple and a village caught between faith and modern development give the film a strong foundation. The early portions create curiosity around the forest and its mysterious rules. Rishi's journey is also interesting on paper. He has lost his faith after losing his child, but the villagers begin treating him as proof that their beliefs are real.

This could have become the emotional heart of the film, especially with Mamta's desire to become a mother again. However, the screenplay keeps moving away from this promising conflict. Deepak's story gradually takes over, while more explanations and mythology are added.

Once the film reveals too much about the supernatural forces, the forest becomes less mysterious. The second half becomes much louder and more focused on supernatural battles. The film moves away from the eerie folk tale it initially builds and eventually reaches a large confrontation that feels disconnected from the quieter mystery established earlier.

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Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia Give Solid Performances

Sidharth Malhotra is watchable as Rishi and keeps the character grounded as a city-bred rationalist dealing with beliefs he no longer accepts. His character, however, does not get enough emotional space because the screenplay keeps introducing new plot elements. Tamannaah Bhatia gives the film some of its emotional weight as Mamta.

Her character's longing to become a mother again gives the story a more personal side, particularly during the Chhath portions. Sunil Grover makes a serious attempt to move away from his usual comic image as Deepak. Anup Soni and Shweta Tiwari are dependable but underused. Maniesh Paul provides comic relief as VP, and his comic timing works in several scenes even when the jokes themselves become repetitive.

Technical Aspects and Visual Appeal

The Chhath Puja portions are among the film's better visual and atmospheric moments. The rituals and village setting feel more authentic when the film allows them enough space instead of using them only as background decoration.

The forest, however, does not become as frightening as the story suggests it should. The background score often tries to create tension before the scenes have built enough suspense. The VFX also weaken some supernatural moments, with several creatures looking overly digital.

What Are the Weak Points?

• Crowded screenplay
• Weak supernatural VFX
• Repetitive comedy
• Unconvincing climax

Is The Vvaan Worth Watching?

Watch it if you:

• Enjoy Indian folklore.
• Like supernatural stories.
• Follow Sidharth Malhotra's films.
• Enjoy mythology-based thrillers.

Skip it if you:

• Want tight screenplays.
• Expect genuine horror.
• Dislike complicated mythology.
• Prefer realistic thrillers.

Final Verdict

The Vvaan: Force of the Forest has an interesting idea at its centre. The combination of Van Devi folklore, Chhath Puja, a forbidden forest and a grieving couple could have created an atmospheric and emotionally strong folk thriller.

However, the movie keeps adding mythology, explanations, characters and spectacle instead of allowing its central story to develop naturally. The mystery becomes less effective as more answers are provided, while the second half loses much of the atmosphere created earlier.

Rating: 2/5

Overall, The Vvaan is a one-time watch for viewers who enjoy Indian folklore and supernatural stories. It has a promising concept, some good performances and visually interesting cultural elements, but the crowded writing and uneven execution keep it from reaching its potential.

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