A fantasy thriller lost in the woods of Indian folklore
In short: When a rational man defies his ancestors to enter a forbidden forest, he awakens a divine goddess. This 2026 Indian fantasy thriller attempts to blend mythology and horror, but critics remain divided on whether it successfully captures the supernatural power of its source material or gets lost in the woods.
The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest is rooted in the real-world folklore of the Van Devi Temple in Bihta, near Patna. The narrative centers on a man who confronts powers beyond logic to save his people from annihilation. To ground this fantasy, the production utilized actual forest locations across the heartlands of Central India for its visual setting. The film's journey to the screen was marked by significant logistical hurdles and creative shifts. Originally announced in November 2024 with a target release for early 2025, it faced multiple postponements, eventually landing on September 25, 2026. These delays were partly due to attempts to avoid crowded release windows and reports of extensive reshoots—including a planned 17-day schedule in late 2026—and changes to the creative team. While the film grossed approximately ₹59.68 crore (US$6.2 million) worldwide, critical reception was largely mixed-to-negative. Reviewers praised elements like Tamannaah Bhatia's emotional performance and the core premise of blending devotion with mythology. However, many critics cited a 'messy' or 'scattered' screenplay, inconsistent tones, and 'choppy' editing as primary flaws that prevented the film from achieving its desired impact.
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