New Delhi, September 26, 2026 – The much-anticipated fantasy-action film, "Vvaan: Force of the Forrest," starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia, premiered in theatres on Friday, September 25, with a debut collection of ₹9.6 crore gross at the Indian box office. While this opening figure presents a respectable start, particularly when juxtaposed with other releases this month, the film has been met with lukewarm reviews and a concerning lack of positive word-of-mouth, casting a shadow over its long-term box office prospects.
Industry tracker Sacnilk reported that "Vvaan" garnered ₹8 crore net on its opening day, screened across 6,746 shows with an occupancy rate of 26%. This performance, though outperforming recent releases like Kareena Kapoor’s "Daayra" and Kunal Khemu’s "Vibe," which struggled to breach the ₹1 crore mark, falls short of generating significant buzz. The film’s narrative, deeply rooted in Indian folklore and weaving together supernatural fantasy, mythology, action, and thriller elements, directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra in his feature film debut, was envisioned as a potential crowd-pleaser. However, critical responses have been largely unenthusiastic, with many labelling it as a tedious cinematic experience.
A Promising, Yet Perilous, Debut for "Vvaan"
The opening day collection of ₹9.6 crore gross positions "Vvaan" as a notable contender against other September releases. However, the film’s success hinges critically on its ability to maintain momentum throughout the weekend and beyond. This is a crucial point for Sidharth Malhotra, who has been seeking a substantial theatrical hit since his 2016 success, "Kapoor & Sons." The Dharma Productions film, which also starred Fawad Khan and Alia Bhatt, was a critical and commercial triumph, grossing ₹143.4 crore worldwide against a reported budget of ₹35 crore.
Since "Kapoor & Sons," Malhotra has starred in eleven films, none of which have managed to replicate that level of commercial success. His critically acclaimed film "Shershaah" found its audience directly on OTT platforms during the pandemic, further highlighting the challenges he faces in delivering a theatrical box office win. The lukewarm reception to "Vvaan" raises significant questions about whether it will break this nearly decade-long dry spell for the actor or become another entry in a string of underperforming projects.
Tamannaah Bhatia, a prominent name in the South Indian film industry, also faces a significant juncture with "Vvaan." This marks her first Hindi theatrical release in a lead role in seven years. Her last Hindi feature film in a leading capacity, "Khamoshi," co-starring Prabhu Deva, proved to be a box office disappointment. Since then, Bhatia has primarily been seen in special song appearances in Hindi cinema, including memorable numbers in films like "Stree" and "Raid 2." "Vvaan" presents an opportunity for her to re-establish her presence in the Hindi film market as a leading lady.
The Folklore Frontier: "Vvaan" Joins a Growing Trend
"Vvaan: Force of the Forrest" is the latest entrant in a growing trend of Hindi films drawing inspiration from India’s rich tapestry of folklore. This genre has seen a resurgence in recent years, with films like the Kannada blockbuster "Kantara," the fantasy drama "Lokah," and the horror-comedy "Stree" achieving significant critical and commercial acclaim. These films have demonstrated the audience’s appetite for narratives rooted in indigenous mythology and cultural narratives, often blended with contemporary storytelling techniques.
The producers of "Vvaan," Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor, are no strangers to the supernatural and mythological genres. Their banner, Balaji Motion Pictures, has a storied history of success in television with popular supernatural shows like the "Naagin" franchise. Their foray into feature films with "Vvaan" aims to leverage this expertise and tap into the audience’s fascination with the mystical and fantastical. However, the initial critical response suggests that the execution of this ambitious vision may not have resonated as strongly as intended.
Competitive Landscape: "Avengers: Endgame – Encore" Steals a Slice of the Audience
Despite "Vvaan" enjoying a solo release in the Hindi box office arena, it faced unexpected competition from the re-release of Marvel Studios’ 2019 blockbuster, "Avengers: Endgame – Encore." This special theatrical re-release, featuring several minutes of additional footage designed to bridge the narrative directly to the upcoming "Avengers: Doomsday" in December, managed to draw a significant audience, earning ₹8.68 crore gross across all languages. The English version alone contributed ₹5.25 crore, underscoring the enduring popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The "Avengers: Endgame – Encore" re-release, screened across 3,635 shows, highlights the strong pull of established franchises and the audience’s willingness to revisit beloved films, especially when connected to future installments. This phenomenon has undoubtedly diverted a portion of the potential audience that might have otherwise gravitated towards a new fantasy-action film like "Vvaan." The strategic timing of the re-release, capitalizing on the anticipation for "Avengers: Doomsday," presents a formidable challenge to newer releases attempting to capture the market’s attention.
Looking Ahead: Can "Vvaan" Overcome its Opening Hurdles?
The initial box office performance of "Vvaan: Force of the Forrest" presents a mixed bag of results. While the gross collection on its opening day is not insignificant, the prevailing sentiment surrounding the film’s quality and the lack of positive word-of-mouth are considerable concerns. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the film can defy its critical reception and build momentum through the weekend.
For Sidharth Malhotra, "Vvaan" represents more than just another film; it is a potential turning point in his career, a chance to break a prolonged theatrical slump. The success of the film will heavily rely on its ability to connect with a wider audience beyond the initial fan base, particularly those drawn to the mythological and fantasy elements. Tamannaah Bhatia, too, has a significant stake in the film’s performance, aiming to solidify her position in the Hindi film industry.
The film’s narrative, steeped in Indian folklore, taps into a popular and evolving genre. However, the critical consensus suggests that the execution may not have fully captured the magic of its source material. The competition from the "Avengers: Endgame – Encore" re-release further complicates the box office landscape. Ultimately, the fate of "Vvaan: Force of the Forrest" will be decided by the audiences in the coming weeks, and whether it can transcend its initial lukewarm reception to become a lasting success.
