The Vvaan Gets CBFC Clearance: What the U/A 16+ Certificate Means for Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia’s Film

Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia’s upcoming fantasy adventure The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest has completed its censor formalities ahead of its theatrical release on September 25, 2026. The film has received a U/A 16+ certification, according to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and reports surrounding the film’s certification.

But the certification is only one part of the story. The Vvaan is generating interest because it attempts to build a fantasy world around Indian folklore, forest mythology and traditional beliefs rather than relying entirely on a conventional horror formula.

What Does the U/A 16+ Certificate Mean?

Under the CBFC's revised age-based certification system, U/A 16+ indicates that the film is considered suitable for viewers aged 16 and above. Younger viewers can watch such a film with parental guidance.

The new certification framework includes categories such as U, U/A 7+, U/A 13+, U/A 16+ and A, giving filmmakers and audiences more specific age guidance than the earlier broad U/A classification.

For The Vvaan, this means the movie is not restricted exclusively to adults, but its content has been placed in a category intended for a more mature teenage and adult audience.

Why Is The Vvaan Different From a Regular Horror Movie?

The film's central idea revolves around a mysterious forest and the beliefs surrounding Van Devi, or the forest goddess.

The story follows Rishi, played by Sidharth Malhotra, a city-raised man who does not readily accept supernatural beliefs. His journey takes him to his wife's village, where local people follow strict traditions connected to a forest.

One important belief is that nobody should enter the forest after sunset.

Instead of accepting the village's explanation, Rishi attempts to discover what is actually happening inside the forest. This sets up the film's central mystery: Is there a supernatural force in the forest, or is there a rational explanation behind the villagers' fears?

Indian Folklore Is at the Centre of the Story

One of the interesting aspects of The Vvaan is its attempt to take inspiration from regional folklore.

The story draws from traditions associated with the Van Devi Temple near Bihta in Bihar, bringing a lesser-known cultural setting into a mainstream Hindi film.

This gives the film a different foundation from stories that simply create fictional supernatural creatures without a connection to Indian traditions.

The makers appear to be combining folklore with adventure, mystery, fantasy, action and elements of romance.

Sidharth Malhotra Plays a Character Who Questions Beliefs

Sidharth Malhotra's Rishi is positioned as someone who initially questions the supernatural beliefs of the villagers.

That creates an important conflict within the story.

On one side are people who have lived with the forest's traditions for generations. On the other is Rishi, who approaches the mystery from a more questioning perspective.

His decision to enter the forbidden forest becomes the trigger for the larger adventure.

The film therefore appears to use the character's journey not only to explore the supernatural world but also to examine the conflict between belief, tradition and rational questioning.

Tamannaah Bhatia's Role Adds Another Layer

Tamannaah Bhatia plays Rishi's wife and is connected to the village and its traditions.

The film reportedly begins with Rishi travelling to her village for the Chhath Puja celebrations. From there, the story moves towards the mystery surrounding the forest.

The pairing of Sidharth and Tamannaah is also one of the film's major attractions, with their chemistry forming an important emotional component alongside the adventure and fantasy elements.

What the CBFC Review Reportedly Revealed

According to the Filmibeat report, a five-member CBFC panel reviewed the film and raised concerns about certain scenes and dialogues. The filmmakers reportedly provided explanations and made minor changes following the board's observations, after which the film received clearance.

The film has subsequently been cleared with the U/A 16+ certification.

Importantly, the certification itself does not reveal whether audiences will like the film or how successful it will be at the box office. It simply provides an official age classification.

The Visual World Could Be a Major Part of the Experience

The trailer has already highlighted the forest setting and supernatural mystery surrounding The Vvaan.

The film has been positioned as a large-scale fantasy folklore adventure, with the makers combining mystery, action, romance and supernatural elements.

The forest therefore isn't merely a backdrop. It appears to be an important part of the film's world-building.

That could make the movie visually different from a standard urban Bollywood thriller.

When Is The Vvaan Releasing?

The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest is scheduled to arrive in theatres on September 25, 2026.

The film is directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and features Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia in the lead roles. The supporting cast includes Sunil Grover, Maniesh Paul, Shweta Tiwari, Anu Soni, Avtar Gill and Milind Gunaji.

The Bottom Line

The CBFC clearance removes one of the final formal hurdles before The Vvaan reaches cinemas.

What makes the film particularly interesting is its combination of Indian folklore, a mysterious forest, traditional beliefs and a modern protagonist who questions what he is told.

With the theatrical release scheduled for September 25, the bigger question now is whether the folklore-driven concept can translate into an engaging big-screen adventure for audiences.