The connection between films and festivals has always been very special. In Hindi cinema, the grandeur of many festivals from Holi, Diwali to Lohri has been presented on the big screen in a larger than life style.
The One Movie: Hindi cinema has a long tradition of presenting festivals on screen by making them a part of the story. Festivals like Holi, Diwali, Lohri and Ganesh Utsav have been seen many times in films on a large scale. Now, for the first time, preparations are being made to show the grandeur and religious beliefs of the great festival Chhath Puja, which has special significance in Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, on the big screen through a supernatural thriller.
Chhath Puja has been included as an important part of the story in Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia starrer film 'The One: Force of the Forest'. The special thing is that the scene of Chhath was not added in the film just to show the beauty of the festival, but it is said to have a deep connection with the story of the film and the folk culture of Bihar.
Story based on folklore and mythological beliefs of Bihar
The story of 'The One: Force of the Forest' is woven in the backdrop of Bihar. The plot of the film revolves around a historical 'Van Devi Temple' located around Patna and the mysteries of the forests spread around it. Some mysterious and scary signs related to the forest have been seen in the teaser of the film. The story tries to combine Bihar's folklore, local beliefs and mythological references with a supernatural thriller.
Due to this cultural background, Chhath Puja has also been made a part of the story of the film. The aim of the makers is not to just use the culture of Bihar as a background, but to present its important religious and social aspects by linking them with the story.
Why is Tamannaah Bhatia's Chhath Puja scene special?
A scene featuring Tamannaah in the teaser of the film has already caught the attention of the audience. In this, the actress is seen on the ghat of the river wearing a red saree and applying orange vermilion on her forehead. According to the tradition of Chhath Puja, she is seen offering Arghya to Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. However, this peaceful and religious atmosphere soon turns mysterious and sinister. The scary incident shown during the puja points towards the supernatural thriller aspect of the film.
This is the reason why this scene not only gives a glimpse of the festival, but also creates curiosity about the role of Chhath Puja in the story of the film. The audience is excited to know how the beliefs related to puja will connect with the mystery and events of the film.
Makers have a special relationship with Bihar
The personal connection of the makers is also one of the reasons behind Bihar's culture getting prominence in the film. Both directors Deepak Kumar Mishra and Arunabh Kumar are said to be from Bihar. The makers want the folklore and mythological beliefs of Bihar as well as its cultural identity to be visible on the big screen through the film. Chhath Puja is an important part of this identity.
For the people living in Bihar, Purvanchal and many parts of the country, Chhath is not just a religious festival, but a festival related to family, faith, discipline and respect for nature. Including its scenes in films can also become a medium to convey regional culture to national and global audiences.
Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia's 'The One: Force of the Forest' is scheduled to release in theaters on September 25, 2026. The combination of supernatural thriller, folklore and cultural background of Bihar has brought the film into the news even before its release.