The Vvaan sparks Chhath fervour in Bihar as viewers remove shoes, offer thekua

Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia’s The Vvaan has triggered an unusual cultural response in Bihar, with some viewers treating screenings almost like devotional gatherings. Videos circulating online show moviegoers removing their footwear outside theatres, while women in traditional Chhath attire distribute thekua inside auditoriums.

The folk thriller, which blends supernatural elements, mysticism and action, appears to have connected strongly with audiences through its portrayal of regional traditions and faith.

Viewers bring Chhath traditions to theatres

At Cine Galaxy in Muzaffarpur, several viewers were seen leaving their shoes outside the auditorium before entering for the screening. Such behaviour is uncommon at commercial cinema halls and has become one of the most discussed aspects of the film’s reception in Bihar.

Another viral moment shows women dressed in traditional attire distributing freshly prepared thekua, a popular prasad associated with Chhath Puja, among fellow viewers.

The devotional song Chhathi Maiya has emerged as a major emotional highlight. The track features the voice of late singer Sharda Sinha, popularly known as Bihar Kokila. Videos from theatres show audiences reacting emotionally to the song, with some viewers joining in and others watching with folded hands.

One clip also shows a child praying with folded hands during a sequence featuring Tamannaah Bhatia’s character performing a traditional puja.

Trade analyst Ramesh Bala also shared footage of audiences responding enthusiastically to the song, describing the sequence as a combination of faith, emotion and belief.

The Vvaan's Bihar connection

Directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and produced by Ekta Kapoor, The Vvaan was released theatrically on September 25. The film combines folklore, supernatural fantasy and action while incorporating elements of regional culture.

The response in Bihar has particularly focused on its portrayal of Chhath traditions, with viewers praising what they describe as its cultural connection.

According to trade tracker Sacnilk figures cited in the report, the film had collected Rs 45.08 crore nett domestically, with an India gross of Rs 53.72 crore at the time of reporting. Final figures were still being compiled.

For many viewers in Bihar, the theatre experience surrounding The Vvaan has consequently become about more than the film itself, with its devotional elements prompting audiences to bring familiar Chhath traditions into the cinema hall.