Bollywood actor Sidharth Malhotra has thrilled fans with the announcement of his latest project, VVAN – Force of the Forest, a folk thriller set to hit theaters in 2025.
Co-produced by Balaji Motion Pictures and TVF (The Viral Fever), VVAN marks an intriguing turn in the genre for Malhotra, who shared the film’s motion poster on Instagram with palpable excitement. “Excited to be part of this folk thriller, with a powerhouse team,” Sidharth wrote. “Can’t wait for you all to experience VVAN – Force of the Forest on the big screen in 2025.” This ambitious collaboration is not only TVF’s first foray into feature films but also a unique blend of their innovative storytelling style with Bollywood’s scale.
Slated for a grand release during the festival of Chhath in 2025, VVAN has already sparked curiosity with its haunting visuals and promise of a gripping narrative set in the heart of a dense forest.
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Sidharth Malhotra’s Exciting New Role: A Forest-Driven Thriller
Sidharth Malhotra, known for a mix of action-packed and romantic roles, dives into new territory with VVAN, a film steeped in folk tales and forest mystery. The teaser hints at an eerie journey, showing a man walking along a forest road, surrounded by thick woods—a classic setup for a tale steeped in suspense. With his recent hits including Yodha alongside Raashii Khanna and Disha Patani, Malhotra’s venture into this folk thriller is a promising addition to his diverse filmography.
In addition to VVAN, Malhotra has also been linked to a new project with Janhvi Kapoor, though details are still under wraps. This lineup signals a busy period for the actor, who has been gradually expanding his range and exploring complex characters in various genres.
TVF Ventures Into Cinema: A New Era for The Viral Fever
VVAN marks TVF’s entry into the Bollywood movie landscape, a bold step for a brand primarily known for its web series success. Under the creative direction of TVF founder Arunabh Kumar, who co-directs the film alongside Panchayat director Deepak Kumar Mishra, VVAN brings together an experienced team adept at engaging audiences with fresh storytelling. TVF has been widely acclaimed for its relatable, character-driven web series like Pitchers and Panchayat, and with VVAN, they are poised to deliver an equally compelling cinematic experience. Fans of the brand have already expressed enthusiasm, with one social media user commenting, “TVF is involved in this; it’s gonna be promising.”
For TVF, this cinematic endeavor opens doors to new audiences while leveraging their existing reputation for high-quality, relatable content. Collaborating with Balaji Motion Pictures, known for its prolific film production, reinforces VVAN’s potential for delivering a mainstream yet unique Bollywood experience.
Audience Reaction: Early Enthusiasm for VVAN’s Unique Appeal
The motion poster of VVAN – Force of the Forest has drawn an enthusiastic response from viewers, intrigued by the teaser’s suspenseful atmosphere and promising storyline. One fan commented, “Teaser looks interesting, would wait for the trailer to be released soon,” while another noted, “This one looks so different from the past films of yours.” The anticipation among fans is palpable, with many echoing the sentiment that TVF’s involvement signals a “banger” in the making.
The blend of TVF’s storytelling sensibilities with Balaji Motion Pictures’ cinematic scope has generated a buzz that suggests VVAN will offer something new for the Hindi film industry. Many viewers are optimistic that TVF’s signature grounded approach will add a refreshing layer of authenticity to the folk thriller genre.
Sara Ali Khan’s Rumored Role: A Powerhouse Duo on Screen?
While details about the cast remain largely undisclosed, Bollywood Hungama reports suggest that Sara Ali Khan may play the female lead opposite Sidharth Malhotra in VVAN. If true, this pairing would bring two popular Bollywood talents together, adding another layer of appeal to the project. Sara, known for her vibrant screen presence, could bring a dynamic edge to this intense folk tale alongside Malhotra. Their combined star power would be a substantial draw for audiences looking for fresh on-screen chemistry.
The Vision and Release: A Folk Tale for the Big Screen
VVAN – Force of the Forest is expected to begin filming in early 2025, with a targeted release aligned with Chhath Puja festivities later in the year. By choosing this auspicious release period, the makers aim to tap into the cultural resonance of the season, potentially adding a spiritual layer to the folk thriller’s themes. Arunabh Kumar and Deepak Kumar Mishra’s collaboration signals a unique creative vision, merging their understanding of rural settings, previously explored in Panchayat, with the suspense and grandeur of a feature film.
The forest backdrop, coupled with the suspenseful, folk-based storyline, places VVAN in a rare category of Bollywood thrillers that blend folklore with contemporary storytelling.
The Future of Bollywood Folk Thrillers: A New Genre Emerges
VVAN – Force of the Forest signifies a broader trend in Bollywood, where folk tales and indigenous storytelling styles are gaining visibility. By exploring regional legends and supernatural themes rooted in tradition, films like VVAN could set a new benchmark for folk thrillers in mainstream cinema. With a blend of eerie visuals, cultural context, and TVF’s grounded storytelling, the movie stands poised to attract a diverse audience interested in stories beyond conventional urban settings.
As anticipation builds, fans eagerly await further details on the plot, trailer, and confirmed cast. With VVAN, Sidharth Malhotra, TVF, and Balaji Motion Pictures are stepping into uncharted territory, potentially redefining Bollywood’s approach to the thriller genre and expanding the horizons of Indian cinema.
What is VVAN – Force of the Forest about?
VVAN is a folk thriller starring Sidharth Malhotra, set against the eerie backdrop of a dense forest. It explores themes inspired by traditional folklore and suspense.
Who is producing and directing the movie?
The film is produced by Balaji Motion Pictures and The Viral Fever (TVF). It’s co-directed by Arunabh Kumar of TVF and Panchayat director Deepak Kumar Mishra.
When will VVAN – Force of the Forest be released?
The film is slated for release during the Chhath Puja festival in 2025.
Who stars in VVAN – Force of the Forest?
Sidharth Malhotra leads the cast, with rumors of Sara Ali Khan as the female lead, though her role is yet to be officially confirmed.
