Following the successful release of the fourth season of "Panchayat," director Deepak Kumar Mishra is reportedly diving headfirst into his next big project: "VVAN," a film starring Sidharth Malhotra. This collaboration between Balaji Telefilms and TVF (The Viral Fever) has generated significant buzz, with Mishra's involvement further fueling anticipation. "VVAN" is slated to be a folk thriller, drawing inspiration from Indian mythology and set against the backdrop of India's heartlands. The film also stars Tamannaah Bhatia and is scheduled for release on May 15, 2026.
Mishra's association with "VVAN" marks a significant step in his career, potentially being his first time directing a project of such a large scale. Best known for his work with TVF, Mishra has been a creative force behind several popular web series, including "Permanent Roommates," "Barely Speaking with Arnub," "Humorously Yours," and "Panchayat". His ability to capture the nuances of small-town life and relatable characters has resonated with audiences, making "Panchayat" a critical and commercial success.
"Panchayat" Season 4, which recently premiered, attempts to delve deeper into political dynamics but some critics say that it loses the simplicity and emotional resonance that defined the earlier seasons. While performances, especially from Jitendra Kumar and Durgesh Kumar, are commendable, some felt the season lacked the sharp writing and engaging plot twists of previous installments. Some reviews mention that the pacing felt slower, with minimal humor and fewer memorable moments. Despite these criticisms, the fourth season builds tension and sets the stage for a potentially powerful final chapter.
Amidst the excitement surrounding "VVAN," recent rumors surfaced about creative differences between Mishra and Sidharth Malhotra, suggesting that Mishra had been removed from the project. These reports claimed that disagreements over the film's direction led to an "uneasy working environment". However, Mishra has firmly denied these claims, stating that his collaboration with Malhotra remains strong. Speaking to Mumbai Mirror, Mishra said, "I don't have any such information. Nothing has happened. This is out of the blue. I just want to state that nothing has happened. Sidharth and I are very strong. We are jamming so well and working hard on the film. It is 100% false".
Malhotra's team has not yet responded to inquiries about the alleged creative clashes. Despite Mishra's denial, some reports continue to claim that disagreements arose during pre-production, leading to speculation about his departure. It was reported that Mishra and Malhotra struggled to align on key aspects of the film's vision.
"VVAN" is significant as the first collaboration between Balaji Telefilms and TVF after their creative partnership announcement in 2023. The film's release date is set for May 15, 2026, after being pushed back from its original Chhath Puja 2025 release. Malhotra shared the update on social media, stating, "The forest has whispered. The force will be unleashed on 15th May, 2026! Get ready for the big screen adventure!".
