Director Deepak Kumar Mishra, known for his work on Panchayat, has been removed from the upcoming folk-thriller ‘Vvan – Force of the Forrest’ following a clash with lead actor Sidharth Malhotra over the film’s creative direction. Production, initially set to begin this summer, has been delayed indefinitely as the filmmakers seek a new director after Mishra’s departure.

Tensions Behind the Scenes

Insiders report that Mishra and Malhotra struggled to find common ground during pre-production, particularly regarding the film’s tone and vision. What began as minor disagreements intensified over time, creating an “uneasy environment” that ultimately led to Mishra’s exit. Official confirmation indicates he will no longer helm the project.

Fallout & Delays

Originally slated to commence shooting in June, ‘Vvan’ is now postponed. With Mishra gone and Arunabh Kumar (TVF founder) remaining as co-director, the team must now find a new collaborator to work alongside him—pushing back the schedule by several months.

Film Background

Co-produced by TVF and Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Motion Pictures, ‘Vvan – Force of the Forrest’ was announced in November 2024 as a folklore-driven narrative rooted in the Chhath Puja traditions of Bihar. Originally targeting a Chhath 2025 release, its theatrical debut was later shifted to May 15, 2026, after adjustments in casting and scheduling. Tamannaah Bhatia joined later as the female lead, with early promotional material featuring forest motifs and Chhath-related imagery that sparked both intrigue and debate—particularly about AI-generated visuals.

Current Status & What’s Next

➤ Directorial team: Arunabh Kumar remains; Mishra has exited.

➤ Replacement search: Ongoing; may reshape the film’s aesthetic.
➤ Production timeline: Recalibration needed; shooting now expected to begin late 2025 or early 2026.
➤ Release target: Still aiming for May 15, 2026.

Implications for Vvan

Mishra’s departure raises questions about the film’s tone, especially given the earlier creative alignments with Malhotra and TVF’s digital storytelling roots. As one of the first major Bollywood features under the TVF–Balaji banner, ‘Vvan’ carries high expectations. The new director will have to bridge the gap between glossy folklore spectacle and authentic cultural storytelling.

Final Word

While production setbacks are common in high-profile projects, a director’s exit at this stage is significant. With its dark folk-thriller premise and star duo still intact, ‘Vvan’ remains highly anticipated—but the path ahead demands strong leadership and clarity of vision.