Sidharth Malhotra on Chhath Puja: 'Vvaan' stories stay with you
Synopsis
Sidharth Malhotra used Chhath Puja to reflect on 'The Vvaan,' calling it a film that changed his understanding of faith and folklore. With Tamannaah Bhatia describing a profound personal connection to Chhathi Maiyya, both leads have made the festival's cultural authenticity central to the film's identity — a rare move for mainstream Hindi cinema.
Key Takeaways
Sidharth Malhotra shared a Chhath Puja message on Instagram tied to his film 'The Vvaan' on 13 November .
He called 'The Vvaan' a story that 'stays with you long after the cameras stop rolling.' Tamannaah Bhatia said she researched Chhath Puja rituals in Bihar and Patna before filming the 'Chhathi Maiya' song.
The film is billed as the first authentic representation of Chhath Puja in Hindi cinema . 'The Vvaan' released on 25 September 2025 , directed by Deepak Mishra and produced by Ektaa R Kapoor and others.
Actor Sidharth Malhotra extended warm wishes on the occasion of Chhath Puja on 13 November, sharing a heartfelt reflection on how his latest film 'The Vvaan' deepened his understanding of the festival's cultural and spiritual significance. The film, which co-stars Tamannaah Bhatia, places Chhath Puja at the centre of its narrative — marking what the makers describe as the first authentic cinematic portrayal of the festival in mainstream Hindi cinema.
Sidharth's Reflection on 'The Vvaan'
Taking to Instagram, Malhotra shared a nostalgic note about the film's lasting impact on him. 'Some stories stay with you long after the cameras stop rolling, and Vvaan has truly been one of them. Working on a film so deeply rooted in our heartland folklore and traditions gave me a closer understanding of how powerfully faith and cultural traditions bring generations together,' he wrote.
He further added: 'To see audiences across the country connect with and appreciate this authentic representation of Chhath Puja, bringing its faith and traditions to Hindi cinema for the first time, feels truly special. Wishing everyone celebrating a very Happy Chhath Puja.'
Tamannaah on Her Deep Connection with Chhathi Maiyya
Earlier, Tamannaah Bhatia had opened up about her preparation for the film's centrepiece number, the 'Chhathi Maiya' song. She revealed that she conducted extensive research into how Chhath Puja rituals are performed in Bihar and Patna before shooting began.
'I have always held a deep reverence for Chhath Puja. Before we started shooting for the song, I spent time studying and understanding the significance of the ritual and how it is performed in Bihar and Patna. Honestly, I was stunned to learn the power it holds. The strong connection I felt with Chhathi Maiyya is something I cannot put in words. I found myself feeling deeply connected to her,' Tamannaah said.
Film Credits and Release
'The Vvaan' is directed by Deepak Mishra, with the story crafted by Arunabh Kumar. Manu Anand serves as the Director of Photography and Visual Director. The film is produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, Arunabh Kumar, and Niraj Kothari, and released on 25 September 2025.
Chhath Puja's Growing Cultural Footprint
Chhath Puja, one of India's most demanding and spiritually significant festivals, has seen its cultural representation in mainstream cinema grow steadily in recent years. 'The Vvaan' represents a notable step in that direction, with both its lead actors speaking to a personal and professional investment in getting its depiction right. The film's warm audience reception during the festive period underscores the appetite for content rooted in regional Indian traditions.
Point of View
Which makes the stated commitment of both Malhotra and Bhatia to Chhath Puja's authenticity in 'The Vvaan' worth noting. The timing of these social media reflections — right on Chhath Puja itself — is clearly strategic, keeping the film in the conversation weeks after its release. Whether the film's cultural sincerity translates into a lasting template for festival-centric storytelling in Hindi cinema, or remains a one-off, is the more interesting question mainstream coverage is not asking.
NationPress
14 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Sidharth Malhotra say about Chhath Puja and 'The Vvaan'?
Sidharth Malhotra posted on Instagram on 13 November saying that 'The Vvaan' gave him a deeper understanding of how faith and cultural traditions bring generations together. He called it one of those stories that stays with you long after filming ends.
What is 'The Vvaan' about?
'The Vvaan' is a Hindi film directed by Deepak Mishra, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia, with Chhath Puja playing a central role in its narrative. It is described as the first authentic cinematic portrayal of the festival in mainstream Hindi cinema, released on 25 September 2025.
How did Tamannaah Bhatia prepare for the 'Chhathi Maiya' song?
Tamannaah Bhatia said she researched the significance of Chhath Puja rituals and how they are performed in Bihar and Patna before shooting the song. She described feeling a deep and unexpected personal connection to Chhathi Maiyya through the process.
Who produced and directed 'The Vvaan'?
'The Vvaan' was directed by Deepak Mishra, with the story by Arunabh Kumar. It was produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, Arunabh Kumar, and Niraj Kothari.
When did 'The Vvaan' release?
'The Vvaan' released on 25 September 2025 and has since drawn attention for its portrayal of Chhath Puja traditions in mainstream Hindi cinema.
