Bollywood actor Sidharth Malhotra’s much-anticipated mythological folk thriller Vvan – Force of the Forest has encountered another setback in its release schedule. According to multiple industry reports, the film’s theatrical launch has once again been postponed — this time to strategically avoid a clash with the Akshay Kumar-starrer horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla. Fans are now looking forward to the first look poster, which is set to be unveiled on Malhotra’s birthday, January 16, 2026.
Originally, Vvan – Force of the Forest was scheduled for release on May 15, 2026, a date that was finalized after earlier postponements from its expected 2025 launch. However, Bhooth Bangla — a horror-comedy featuring Akshay Kumar and directed by veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan — has now claimed that very slot.
Industry insiders suggest that the makers of Vvan decided to defer the film’s release rather than risk a box-office clash with Bhooth Bangla. Since both films are high-profile projects backed by Balaji Motion Pictures, releasing them on the same day — especially in the peak summer window — could dilute box-office prospects for both titles. To avoid this scenario, Vvan’s team opted to keep the release date under wraps until an ideal alternative date is confirmed.
The strategic shift aligns with a broader reshuffle in the Bollywood calendar, where big films — from sequels to star-led summer blockbusters — are jockeying for optimal theatrical windows. Leaving Bhooth Bangla the May 15 slot allows it to maximise audience attention in the summer, while Vvan hopes to find a less congested release period.
Bhooth Bangla itself wasn’t always pegged to May 15. Early announcements indicated an April 2, 2026 release — a date later pushed back to mid-May to avoid competition with Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar 2 at the box office.
That shift has led to a domino effect for films planning summer releases. Since Bhooth Bangla carries major commercial expectations and marks a long-awaited reunion between Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan, producers didn’t want to compromise its prospects. Consequently, Vvan — which would have been positioned against Bhooth Bangla on May 15 — was left with little choice but to recalibrate its plan.
Analysts note that producers often prefer spacing out big releases to ensure each film has room to breathe at the box office. With Bhooth Bangla expected to draw family audiences and comedy-horror enthusiasts alike, Vvan’s folklore-based narrative might have struggled for visibility on the same weekend.
Vvan – Force of the Forest is described as a mythological folk thriller deeply rooted in Indian rural folklore and mythology. The film features Sidharth Malhotra alongside Tamannaah Bhatia in key roles. Reports suggest that the narrative revolves around a mysterious forest steeped in supernatural secrets, with Malhotra’s character tasked with defending it against external threats.
The story blends traditional legends with adventure and supernatural elements, offering a cinematic experience that aims to be both visually rich and emotionally resonant. Boasting a creative team that includes Arunabh Kumar and Deepak Kumar Mishra — known for their work on the critically acclaimed web series Panchayat — Vvan has generated strong pre-release interest from audiences seeking fresh narratives in mainstream Hindi cinema.
Produced by Ektaa R. Kapoor’s Balaji Motion Pictures in collaboration with The Viral Fever (TVF), the film represents a blend of commercial ambitions and creative storytelling
First Look Reveal: Malhotra’s Birthday Surprise
While the theatrical release date remains undisclosed, Vvan’s makers have confirmed that the first look poster will be revealed on Sidharth Malhotra’s birthday, January 16, 2026. This announcement has further fuelled anticipation, with fans eager to see a “massy, never-before-seen look” of the actor’s character.
The first look is expected to not only showcase Malhotra’s transformation for the role but also possibly hint at the new release date, which might be unveiled alongside the poster. Since the makers have kept the new date under wraps, the poster reveal event has become a key moment for Vvan’s marketing campaign.
Industry watchers believe that this strategic reveal will help build buzz and set the tone for Vvan’s eventual theatrical launch. With Malhotra’s star power and a compelling mythical storyline, the film could become one of the year’s standout releases — provided the new date gives it enough breathing room at the box office.