Vvan: Force of the Forest Completes Theatrical Run, Set for Prime Video Premiere

The mythological thriller Vvan: Force of the Forest, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia, has concluded its theatrical window and will begin streaming on Prime Video. The film, which released in cinemas on September 25, 2026, has been confirmed as an Amazon Prime Video title following its box office run.

Produced by Balaji Telefilms in association with TVF Motion Pictures, the film marks the first on-screen collaboration between Malhotra and Bhatia. It is directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and written by Arunabh Kumar.

Theatrical Performance

Vvan opened to Rs 8 crore net in India on its first day across 6,746 shows, with an overall occupancy of 26 percent. The film showed growth on its second day, collecting Rs 11 crore net.

By the end of its opening weekend, the film had earned approximately Rs 33.25 crore in India net. The India gross collection reached around Rs 35.24 crore. Trade analysts noted that the opening was Malhotra’s biggest solo opener to date.

Karan Johar publicly praised the film as it performed at the box office, highlighting its strong start. However, reviews from critics were mixed to negative, with several publications citing an uneven second half and muddled execution.

Plot and Cast

The story follows Rishi, a rational city dweller who returns to his ancestral village of Devanchal with his wife Mamta. Despite warnings, he enters a forbidden forest and awakens a divine goddess, forcing him to become the village’s protector against a dark force.

The film blends Indian folklore, supernatural horror, and fantasy. It also stars Maniesh Paul, Sunil Grover, Shweta Tiwari, and Anup Soni in key roles.

The narrative oscillates between the past and present, introducing a 7th-century legend of the forest deity Van Devi. It explores the conflict between modern rationalism and age-old superstitions.

Tamannaah Bhatia described the collaboration with Malhotra as a long-held dream. She said, ‘Sid was a long, long dream, and I’m very happy that I’ve had the chance to collaborate with him. I think he’s a really fine actor.’

She also praised the script for its blend of commercial appeal and emotional depth. ‘I have to say, it’s been a long time since I heard a script for a commercial film, which I grew up loving, that also has a strong soul at its heart. That combination can be extremely powerful,’ she said.

Sidharth Malhotra spoke about working with the makers of Panchayat. He said, ‘Aapne Panchayat ki hai, vohi kaafi tha mere liye’ (You made Panchayat, and that was enough for me).

Production Details

The film was shot in real jungle locations in central India to create an authentic atmosphere. It was described by the makers as a vast visual experience capturing the mysterious feel of the forests.

An additional 10-day shoot was scheduled to enhance the climax and key sequences. The film also expanded its universe with a comic book titled The Legend of Vvan ahead of its release.

Produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, Arunabh Kumar, and Niraj Kothari, the film was originally slated for a May 15, 2026 release before being moved to August 28 and finally September 25.

OTT Release

Prime Video secured the digital rights for Vvan. The platform announced the acquisition at its 2026 Release Slate event in Mumbai. An official streaming date has not been announced, though industry patterns suggest a gap of six to eight weeks between theatrical and digital releases.

The film’s runtime is 2 hours and 45 minutes. It released in multiple markets including India, the UAE, Oman, Germany, and Russia on the same date.

As of now, Vvan continues to screen in select theaters while awaiting its digital premiere on Prime Video.