Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia headline the new mystery folklore thriller as The Vvan review (2026) kicks off across theatres today. Arriving on big screens this September 25, the atmospheric feature has instantly polarized cinema lovers stepping out of opening-day auditoriums. While one section of filmgoers praises its deep grounding in Bihar folk traditions and supernatural superstition, another vocal group has dismissed the narrative as sluggish, underwhelming, and flat.
Chhath Song Set the Stage Ahead of Theatrical Release
Prior to its theatrical debut, the promotional campaign scored an undeniable digital triumph through tactical cultural marketing. The production team dropped a dedicated Chhath celebration track merely days before release, striking an emotional chord with family audiences across the Purvanchal heartland. The song turned into an immediate viral phenomenon across digital networks, quickly crossing over 47 million views on YouTube. That grassroots musical sensation built immense pre-release buzz, ensuring healthy footfalls for the morning screenings despite minimal formal advance critical reviews.
Deepak Kumar Mishra Blends Regional Folklore with Supernatural Thrills
Helmed by director Deepak Kumar Mishra, the cinematic canvas sets its roots deep in the cultural ethos of eastern India. The narrative weaves an intricate tapestry centered on family bonds, deep religious faith, and dark secrets lurking in remote wilderness tied to ancient Van Devi lore. Many appreciative viewers highlighted that mainstream Hindi cinema rarely ventures into regional mythology with this level of authentic folklore immersion.
Weighing in on the narrative approach, Amit Bhatia praised the project on social media, noting that the feature presents a fresh, intriguing folklore-fantasy where the story is the real hero. He commended how the production combined suspense, supernatural chills, humor, and ancient beliefs into an unseen realm, giving audiences a break from formulaic Bollywood thrillers.
Sunil Grover Wins Acclaim Amid Sharp Criticism of Slow Pacing
The ensemble performances have also drawn considerable audience commentary, with Sunil Grover capturing attention for his commanding work during the narrative's second half. Maniesh Paul also earned nod for delivering timely comedic relief throughout the runtime. However, several moviegoers found the execution painfully draggy and deficient in genuine scares. Criticizing the sluggish atmosphere, viewer Anmol Jamwal noted that watching the film felt like watching paint dry slowly.
Detractors argue that the mystery loses its grip inside the woods, rendering the horror elements toothless and the drama hollow. While formal opinions from veteran trade critics continue to trickle in gradually, early audience reception remains sharply polarized between those who cherish authentic rural fantasy and those disappointed by its uneven storytelling.
