Highlights
- Sidharth Malhotra says there was considerable skepticism about The Vvaan before its theatrical release.
- The actor believes audiences are increasingly embracing films rooted in Indian folklore and culture.
- He urges the film industry to support each other's work instead of discouraging moviegoers.
Sidharth Malhotra has criticized Bollywood's tendency to dismiss films before they reach theaters, saying the industry needs to be more supportive of its own projects.
The actor discussed the response to his fantasy adventure The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest during his first joint appearance with wife Kiara Advani on Koffee With Karan. Hosted by Karan Johar, the episode saw the couple reflect on the film's box office performance and the skepticism surrounding it before its release in September 2026.
Sidharth Malhotra on The Vvaan's box office response
Johar pointed out that there had been considerable chatter about The Vvaan not performing well at the box office. Sidharth and Kiara acknowledged the doubts, but the actor believes the film found an audience because of its connection with Indian culture and traditions.
“I think they are doing their job and we are doing our job,” Sidharth said.
“There is an India and there is a Bharat. I think Bharat is what is coming out to watch our films. They want to watch something rooted, something to them and rooted in culture. The Vvaan came perfectly fitting that bracket whether it is the writing, performance, whether it was sequences.”
The film draws on folklore surrounding the Van Devi Temple near Bihta in Bihar. Sidharth plays Rishi, a Mumbai-based man who travels to the village of Devanchal with his wife, Mamta, played by Tamannaah Bhatia. A routine visit takes an unsettling turn when he encounters the village's beliefs, including a warning against entering the forest after dark.
The Vvaan collected ₹91.49 crore worldwide during its theatrical run and is now streaming on Prime Video.
Sidharth Malhotra urges Bollywood to support its films
The conversation also turned to the way people within the film industry respond to each other's work. Sidharth said there was a need for greater encouragement rather than constant criticism.
“Of course. Our industry has more of that and nobody has anything good thing to say. What we need as a sense of an industry where people help each other,” he said.
He returned to the subject during the show's rapid-fire round, when Johar asked about his views on film critics.
“Give your opinion, but it is not always about dissing or discouraging people to go to the theatres,” Sidharth said.
His comments came during his and Kiara's first joint appearance on Koffee With Karan. The ninth season is the show's final edition, with the series having first premiered in 2003. The latest season is streaming on JioHotstar.
