In the dynamic environment of Indian cinema, there are films that come and go, and there are films that cause a buzz before they even begin filming. VVAN – Force of the Forest is one of them. It is being hailed as one of the biggest fantasy-adventure films this decade. Since it’s first announcement, VVAN has been a hot topic. With a phenomenal cast and team (including one of India’s finest directors), and with what looks like really engaging visuals, the anticipation around the film has built up tremendously in fan communities.
And now, despite all the buzz, the release date for VVAN had been pushed further down to 15th May 2026, almost a year later than the film’s initial planned release around Chhath 2025. And while this reset will be disappointing to fans, the reasons for the delay indicate a higher purpose – to deliver a cinematic treat that is worth the wait.
An Introduction to VVAN – What We Know So Far
While there are not many significant plot details revealed as for now, the tagline of VVAN, “Force of the Forest”, indicates a large story that features a diverse range of nature, mythology, and perhaps supernatural elements. The visuals we have seen thus far – two glimpses of eyes in an unnervingly dark forest and a shot of an enchanted landscape – seem to reflect an Indianized fantasy world, which is not something we are used to seeing in major Bollywood films.
Although it is still somewhat unclear based off the teaser and character reveals, it will be interesting to see if VVAN draws inspiration from ancient protectors, tribal folklore, and possibly an environmental clash that combines mysticism with contemporary narrative.
The Power Duo: Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia
A main attraction of VVAN is its duo of leading actors; Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia, both of whom are extremely charasmatic and versatile. Their pairing is still new to many fans, so it created a nice buzz.
Malhotra isn’t known for his playfulness. Sidharth has garnered a great reputation in serious, intense roles (Shershaah, Ek Villain, Mission Majnu). When it comes to VVAN, he is rumored to play a protector of the forest, a man divided between his duty and a growing dark power. For Sidharth, this could be a pivotal role given that he is attempting fantasy genre for the first time.
Tamannaah Bhatia is equally charming, and has had great success in Bollywood (Bolly), Tollywood (Tol, or Telugu), and Kollywood (Kol, or Tamil). She also isn’t new to mythological and fantasy roles (the most recent being Baahubali). She is rumored to play a warrior-priestess or a forest oracle – a strong female character that motivates the emotional and spiritual layers of the film mythologically.
Their leading roles are expected to drive the glamour quotient, in addition to the character arcs with emotional depth.
The Man Behind the Magic: Director Deepak Kumar Mishra
Deepak Kumar Mishra’s involvement with another TVF project, Vallaram Vinayaakum Neyyabhihitam (VVAN), will be shocking to many. Deepak’s storytelling, earthy humor, and character-based storytelling, have made him a household name in Indian web series, and while he has now chosen to enter the fantasy genre; it seems an ambitious and fresh direction to take.
While Panchayat is presenting rural reality, VVAN is entirely dominated by out-of-this-world mysticism and visual storytelling. There are well-placed insiders who believe that Deepak’s emphasis on authenticity and grounded emotions, will add a new kind of soul to Indian fantasy cinema, which many blockbuster spectacles lack in part, relying on CGI sacrifices over solid story.
Lastly, I want to emphasize that Deepak’s association with TVF (The Viral Fever) is a fun piece of information you pick up. TVF is known for creating relatable and ground content. So, Deepak will assuredly capture the emphasis on meaning, and not just costars and auto-bots and unicorns in VVAN.
The Production Powerhouses: Balaji Motion Pictures x TVF Motion Pictures
You know something innovative is upcoming when Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Motion Pictures takes a visionary approach and employs TVF Motion Pictures’s creativity in storytelling. The two production houses complement each other’s unique capabilities:
- Balaji has mastered commercial cinema, launching grand dramas, thrillers, and fantasy shows.
- TVF on the other hand, is known for content-rich stories that resonate deeply with audiences.
This collaborative effort could very well redefine the fantasy genre in Indian cinema by combining spectacle with storytelling — a balance that very few Bollywood films have successfully achieved so far.
Why the Delay? Understanding the 2026 Release Push
Originally intended for a release on the Chhath festival of 2025, VVAN’s date has now been officially postponed to 15th May 2026. According to those familiar with the production, the main reasons for the postponement are as follows:
- Production Unexpectedly Delayed – VVAN is a large-scale production with many VFX sequences, set constructions, and action choreography. The scale of the production requires more time than originally expected.
- Scheduling Conflicts – With A-list actors Sidharth and Tamannaah having other productions and promotions to honour, there was large conflict in dates to even be able to coordinate these filmed shots and the promotions.
- Creative Firming Up – The script has evolved through many incarnations to honour and integrate fully with the director’s bigger idea and the visual story for such an epic.
Clearly the team is taking the process seriously, which is probably better than compromising and releasing the film as fast as possible. Instead, they’ve chosen to honour the audience’s expectations of something that is truly a ‘worth the wait’.
What to Expect From VVAN: A Genre-Bending Experience
Indian cinema has tinkered with the fantasy genre in the past, but never fully embraced it. VVAN could be the film to fully embrace it as a genre. Here’s how VVAN is different:
- Original Indian Fantasy – VVAN is an original story, falling outside the typical template of mythological adaptations, rooted in Indian culture but directed towards a global fantasy audience.
- Visual World-Building – Expect forests, mythical creatures, ancient rituals, and incredible visual effects that even rival Hollywood fantasy blockbusters, before you have even watched VVAN.
- Deeper Themes – The film will certainly touch upon topics much deeper than action and magic, likely touching on topics of climate consciousness, spiritual balance, and identity in a decidedly chaotic world.
Fan Reactions and What Lies Ahead
The fan responses to the delay announcement have been a mixture of disappointment from some and support from many others.
The internet has been flooded with speculation, fan theories, and fan edits. In some circles it seems as though the hashtags of #VVAN2026, #SidharthInFantasy, and #TamannaahAsOracle are trending.
Fans have made it clear they want quality and are willing to wait if it takes more time to make the movie they deserve.
With teasers, behind-the-scenes content and a full promotional strategy to begin in late-2025, it’s only going to become more exciting from here.
Final Thoughts: Is VVAN Worth the Wait?
Absolutely.
In a time where content is king and audience desires new experiences, VVAN is a bold proposition from Indian cinema – a story that dares to be different, visuals that captivate, and emotions that touch. With the right mix of fantasy, drama, action, and heart, I truly believe this film could become a genre-defining classic.
Mark the date and save your monies … 15th May 2026 may mark the day Indian cinema embarks on the golden age of fantasy film-making.
