by As Bollywood’s heartthrob Sidharth Malhotra prepares to celebrate his birthday on Friday, January 16, fans have more than just cake and candles to look forward to. The actor, who enjoyed a steady and respectable 2025 at the box office with Param Sundari, is now stepping into a dramatically different cinematic territory with his upcoming film Vvan. To mark the special occasion, the makers of the much-anticipated folk thriller are set to unveil Sidharth’s first look poster, giving audiences their first glimpse into a world that promises mystery, mythology, and cinematic intensity.
The announcement has already sent waves of excitement across social media, as fans eagerly wait to see the actor in what insiders describe as a “massy, never-before-seen avatar.” This reveal is not just another promotional update — it signals the arrival of Sidharth Malhotra into a new genre that blends folklore, suspense, and visual spectacle, setting the stage for one of the most intriguing films of the year.
A Birthday Gift for Fans
Birthdays in Bollywood often come with big announcements, but this one feels particularly special. Sidharth Malhotra has built a reputation for surprising his audience by choosing diverse roles, and Vvan seems to be another bold leap forward.
According to a source quoted by Bollywood Hungama:
“The makers of Vvan are expected to unveil a poster of Sidharth Malhotra on Friday. Sidharth has a massy, never-before-seen look in the film. His fans and the general moviegoers will surely be surprised by it and will lap it up.”
This statement alone has sparked curiosity. Known for his polished urban roles and romantic heroes, Sidharth stepping into a folklore-based thriller suggests a dramatic transformation — possibly involving rugged styling, intense expressions, and a mysterious aura befitting the film’s mystical setting.
For fans who have followed his journey since Student of the Year, this moment represents how far he has come — from a charming debutant to a versatile leading man willing to embrace unconventional cinema.
Sidharth Malhotra’s Solid 2025 and His Next Big Leap
2025 was a notable year for Sidharth Malhotra. While Param Sundari may not have been a box-office juggernaut, it opened on a strong note and its music became hugely popular, staying in public memory for months. The film reaffirmed Sidharth’s connect with audiences and highlighted his ability to carry emotionally driven cinema.
But with Vvan, Sidharth is taking a decisive step away from romance and drama into the realm of folklore and mystery, a genre rarely explored by mainstream Bollywood stars.
This strategic move shows that the actor is not content playing safe. Instead, he appears eager to explore stories that challenge both him and the audience — stories that demand immersion into culture, myth, and the unknown.
Why Vvan Is One of the Most Unusual Projects in Recent Bollywood
What makes Vvan stand out is its genre. Indian cinema has long drawn from mythology, but true folk thrillers — rooted in regional legends, haunted landscapes, and ancient belief systems — are still rare in mainstream Hindi cinema.
Vvan is not a typical horror film or a conventional thriller. It draws from:
- Indian folklore
- Ancient legends
- Mystical forests
- Hidden temples
- Lost civilizations
Set in the mystical heartlands of Central India, the film transports audiences into a land where modern logic collides with ancient myths.
This setting allows the story to unfold in a visually rich and emotionally layered environment — a place where every shadow could hide a secret, and every tree might be a silent witness to centuries-old mysteries.
A Powerful Production House Collaboration
One of the strongest reasons behind the excitement for Vvan is its unique collaboration between:
- Balaji Motion Pictures — known for mainstream, star-driven entertainment
- The Viral Fever (TVF) — known for grounded storytelling, authenticity, and character-driven narratives
This partnership brings together two distinct storytelling philosophies:
Balaji offers:
- Big-screen scale
- Star power
- Production finesse
TVF offers:
- Narrative depth
- Cultural authenticity
- Emotional realism
Together, they aim to create a film that is both commercially exciting and artistically meaningful.
Ekta Kapoor’s Strategic Decision: Avoiding a Box-Office Clash
While the excitement around the poster is building, an important development has also taken place behind the scenes — the film’s release date has been changed.
Originally slated to release on May 15, Vvan has now been postponed. The reason? Ekta Kapoor’s other production, Bhooth Bangla, has been moved from April 3 to May 15.
Releasing two films from the same production house on the same day would have been commercially impractical. It would:
- Split marketing budgets
- Divide audience attention
- Create unnecessary competition
As the source revealed:
“Hence, releasing two films of her production on the same day was not practical. Accordingly, Vvan has been pushed. The new date has been kept a secret by the makers and they are expected to mention it on the first look poster.”
This move reflects Ekta Kapoor’s sharp business sense — prioritizing both films by giving them their own space to shine.
What This Means for Vvan
Delaying the release could actually work in Vvan’s favor.
A folk thriller requires:
- Strong word of mouth
- Immersive marketing
- Time for curiosity to build
By avoiding a clash with a star-heavy comedy-horror like Bhooth Bangla, Vvan will get a clear runway to attract audiences who are looking for something different.
The First-Ever Pairing: Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia
One of the most intriguing aspects of Vvan is its casting. The film marks the first on-screen pairing of Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia — two actors from very different cinematic worlds.
Sidharth brings:
- Urban charisma
- Emotional intensity
- Mainstream Bollywood appeal
Tamannaah brings:
- South Indian cinematic sensibility
- Expressive depth
- Experience with fantasy and folklore-inspired cinema
Their pairing creates an exciting dynamic, blending North and South Indian star power into a story that transcends regional boundaries.
In a folklore-driven narrative, their chemistry will be key — not just romantic, but emotional, spiritual, and dramatic.
Maniesh Paul in a Crucial Role
Adding to the film’s intrigue is Maniesh Paul, who is set to play an important character. Known primarily for his comic timing and hosting skills, Maniesh has been increasingly choosing meaty, performance-oriented roles in recent years.
His presence in Vvan suggests:
- A layered character
- Possibly a guide, trickster, or mysterious figure
- Someone who connects the modern world to the ancient one
In folklore-based stories, such characters often serve as emotional anchors — and Maniesh has the acting range to surprise audiences.
The Directors: Deepak Mishra and Arunabh Kumar
The creative force behind Vvan comes from an exciting director duo:
- Deepak Mishra
- Arunabh Kumar
Both are associated with TVF and are known for:
- Authentic storytelling
- Strong character arcs
- Cultural rootedness
By placing such storytellers at the helm of a big-screen spectacle, Vvan promises to be more than just visually impressive — it aims to be emotionally rich and narratively grounded.
What Makes Vvan Different from Typical Thrillers
Unlike urban thrillers set in cities, Vvan draws its power from:
- Forests
- Villages
- Legends passed through generations
The “untamed forest” in the film is not just a location — it is a character in itself. It holds:
- Ancient secrets
- Buried histories
- Supernatural possibilities
Such settings allow filmmakers to explore fear, wonder, and mystery in a way that concrete jungles never can.
The Power of Indian Folklore in Cinema
Indian folklore is incredibly rich — filled with:
- Spirits
- Guardians
- Demons
- Sacred lands
- Forgotten gods
Yet mainstream Bollywood has barely scratched its surface.
Vvan represents a growing movement in Indian cinema that wants to:
- Reclaim indigenous stories
- Present them with modern filmmaking
- Introduce global audiences to Indian mythic landscapes
This makes the film not just entertaining, but culturally important.
Why Sidharth’s Look Matters So Much
When a source says Sidharth has a “massy, never-before-seen look,” it signals a transformation that could redefine his screen image.
This could include:
- Rugged physicality
- Traditional or tribal attire
- A darker, more intense demeanor
- A character deeply tied to the land
For an actor who built his career on suave roles, this could be a career-defining reinvention.
Marketing Genius: Using His Birthday for the Reveal
Releasing the poster on Sidharth’s birthday is a brilliant marketing move. It ensures:
- Maximum fan engagement
- Media attention
- Emotional connection
Fans don’t just see a poster — they feel like they are receiving a gift.
What Lies Ahead for Vvan
With its first look poster set to drop, Vvan is entering the most exciting phase of its journey — where curiosity turns into anticipation, and anticipation turns into box-office potential.
The new release date remains a mystery, but that only adds to the intrigue.
Conclusion: A Film That Could Redefine Sidharth Malhotra’s Career
Vvan is not just another film in Sidharth Malhotra’s filmography. It is a statement — that he is ready to explore deeper, darker, and more culturally rooted stories.
With Ekta Kapoor’s backing, TVF’s storytelling, Tamannaah’s screen presence, and a folklore-driven narrative, Vvan has all the ingredients to become one of the most talked-about films of the year.
And it all begins with a birthday poster — a glimpse into a world where ancient legends meet modern cinema.
Sidharth Malhotra’s fans are ready.
The forest is waiting.
And Vvan is about to reveal its secrets
