The highly anticipated track 'Chhathi Maiya' from the upcoming feature film The One: Force of the Forest was recently released, generating significant conversations across various digital platforms. Featuring Tamannaah Bhatia in a prominent role and featuring a special appearance by Sidharth Malhotra, the song has struck a chord with audiences from Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh by invoking the rich traditions of the Chhath festival. Social media has been flooded with opinions, analysis, and historical theories regarding the visual representation and the deeper thematic elements showcased in the song. A major point of interest among viewers is the strong connection being drawn between the song's narrative and a centuries-old forest temple situated in the vicinity of Patna.
The Sacred Connection to Patna's Ancient Temple
The musical composition of 'Chhathi Maiya' has been crafted by the acclaimed composer Vishal Mishra, with the poignant lyrics penned by Kaushal Kishore. The song is deeply intertwined with the film's core lore, which centers around the mythological figure of 'Van Devi' (the Forest Goddess) and explores the profound themes of human faith, nature, and divine protection. Following the track's release, viewers have pointed out that the narrative of The One: Force of the Forest draws heavy inspiration from the famous Van Devi temple located near Patna, Bihar. This historical temple boasts a heritage spanning over 400 years.
It has been revealed that before finalizing the musical arrangement and the visual story of the song, the creative team visited this sacred shrine to seek blessings. They spent considerable time interacting with the head priests and local residents to fully comprehend the mystical legends and religious importance associated with the temple.
The Legend of Vidyanand Mishra and Kanka Mata
Local lore holds several captivating stories about this ancient temple. One of the most famous legends is associated with a devout man named Vidyanand Mishra. He was a dedicated worshipper of Goddess Vindhyachali and would regularly make the long, arduous journey from Bihar to the Vindhyachal Dham located in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, to offer his prayers. However, as the passage of time took a toll on his health and old age set in, Mishra found himself physically unable to undertake this long pilgrimage. Sensing her devotee's distress, Goddess Vindhyachali appeared in his dream and instructed him to establish a sacred portion of her holy pind closer to his home.
Following these divine instructions, Vidyanand Mishra brought a sacred relic of the deity and installed it deep within the local forest, where he began intense meditation. Another chapter of this lore involves an ascetic who attempted to disrupt Mishra's penance in the forest. To resolve the confrontation, Mishra placed a mystical clay pot before the ascetic, which reportedly contained answers to all of his queries. In a fit of anger, the ascetic shattered the pot, which instantly provoked the wrath of the goddess. She punished the ascetic severely, and from this event, the deity came to be known locally as Kanka Mata. To this day, residents believe that Kanka Mata safeguards the region from malevolent forces.
Authenticity vs Cinematic Glamour in the Song
Chhath Puja is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous and disciplined festivals in India, lasting over four days and requiring strict fasting, purification rituals, and intense devotion dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya. The newly released song attempts to visually capture these elaborate rituals, showcasing scenes of fasting, the preparation of offerings, and the final acts of devotion at the riverbanks. In the video, Tamannaah Bhatia is seen holding the traditional bamboo basket, known as the soop, as she stands amidst other female devotees at a beautifully decorated Chhath ghat. Dressed in traditional festive attire, she prepares to offer the sacred arghya to the rising sun.
While the music and the visual palette of the song exude a deeply devotional aura, several traditional practitioners of the festival have raised questions about its authenticity. Many viewers from Bihar and Jharkhand have pointed out that the depiction leans heavily towards cinematic dramatization rather than actual religious practice, noting that the handling of the bamboo soop and the arrangement of the puja items in the brass plates do not fully align with the precise, traditional methods handed down through generations.
Wardrobe and Styling Under the Lens
The styling of Tamannaah Bhatia's character has also sparked extensive discussions among cultural purists. In the music video, she is depicted wearing a vibrant red saree draped in the 'ulta pallu' (reverse drape) style, accompanied by a matching red veil covering her head. Traditionally, women performing the Chhath rituals in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand wear sarees draped in the 'seedha pallu' (straight drape) style, which is considered a hallmark of regional custom during auspicious ceremonies.
While these differences in attire do not necessarily invalidate the artistic intent of the song, they highlight the distinct difference between a genuine household ritual and a stylized Bollywood production. Ultimately, Chhath Puja is not defined by external appearances or luxurious clothing; it is a spiritual journey centered on rigorous physical endurance, absolute cleanliness, and deep devotion. Despite these cinematic liberties, the song successfully captures the profound emotional and spiritual bond that millions of devotees share with Chhathi Maiya.
The Resurfacing 2018 Bhojpuri Controversy of Sidharth Malhotra
Even as the production team attempts to celebrate the cultural heritage of the Purvanchal region through this cinematic project, lead actor Sidharth Malhotra has found himself at the center of a major controversy. An old dispute regarding his past remarks about the Bhojpuri language has resurfaced online, casting a shadow over the song's release. The incident dates back to 2018, when Malhotra was promoting his film Aiyaary alongside co-stars Manoj Bajpayee and Rakul Preet Singh on the reality television show Bigg Boss 11.
During a promotional segment on the show's stage, Manoj Bajpayee, who is well-known for his strong roots in Bihar, playfully asked Sidharth Malhotra to translate and deliver a dialogue in the Bhojpuri language. After reciting the line, Malhotra made a controversial remark, stating that speaking in Bhojpuri gave him a "toilet" or "latrine-like" feeling. This comment immediately sparked outrage among the Bhojpuri-speaking community and millions of people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, who felt that the actor's statement was highly derogatory and deeply insulted their mother tongue and cultural identity.
Cinematic Balance and the Path Forward
With Malhotra now starring in a project that directly touches upon one of the most sacred festivals of the Bhojpuri-speaking belt, the resentment from 2018 has been reignited on social media. Critics are pointing out the irony of an actor who once mocked the regional language now benefiting from a high-profile project centered around Chhath Puja.
Overall, the song 'Chhathi Maiya' represents a delicate balancing act by the creators of The One: Force of the Forest, which is scheduled to release in theatres on September 25, 2026. While they have incorporated essential cultural motifs like the riverbanks, the traditional bamboo baskets, and songs of praise, they have packaged these elements with typical Bollywood grandeur. The song serves as a commercial celebration of faith, blending traditional devotion with the glitz and glamour of mainstream Indian cinema.
