The 2025 film Love in Vietnam marks a significant milestone in global cinema: the first major collaboration between Indian and Vietnamese film industries. The romantic drama, directed by Rahhat Shah Kazmi, blends Bollywood musicality with Vietnamese landscapes and aesthetics.
Principal details:
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Stars: Shantanu Maheshwari (Manav), Avneet Kaur (Simmi) and Vietnamese actress Khả Ngân (Linh).
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Based on the Turkish novel Madonna in a Fur Coat by Sabahattin Ali.
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Release date: 12 September 2025.
Plot Overview
The story begins in India — Manav, a young man dreaming of becoming a singer, leaves home to study in Vietnam. There he encounters Linh, a painter and dancer whose self-portrait captivates him. Their bond deepens against a backdrop of new landscapes and emotional awakening. Meanwhile Simmi, Manav’s childhood love in India, lingers in his memories and becomes part of a tragic triangle shaped by distance, culture and unexpected choices. (This is a condensed overview of the narrative.)
Production & Setting
“Love in Vietnam” was largely filmed in Vietnam — around 75 % of the shoot took place there — immersing the film in authentic local flavour and scenery.
The production budget is estimated at around USD 4 million, underlining its scale for a cross-border romance. Nhan Dan Online+1
The film is a landmark in cinematic collaboration: an Indian-Vietnamese co-production, designed to appeal to audiences across Asia and beyond.
Visual & Musical Appeal
From the trailer and early reviews, the film emphasises:
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Lush Vietnamese locales — mountains, coastlines and bustling cities — which act almost as a character themselves.
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A soundtrack combining Indian melodies, Vietnamese influences and the cross-cultural energy of the story.
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An old-school romantic sensibility, with modern cinematic polish — echoes of classic tales of longing and reunion.
Themes & Significance
Cross-Cultural Love
The film explores love that transcends geography, language and traditions. Manav’s journey from India to Vietnam symbolises more than physical travel — it’s a journey into the unfamiliar and the heart.
Identity, Art & Longing
Linh’s identity as a painter and performer gives the romance a layer of artistic aspiration. Meanwhile, Manav’s ambition to become a singer adds to the motif of creative desire.
Home & Overseas
The tension between home and abroad, between what is left behind and what is discovered, runs through the narrative. The character of Simmi anchors the story in the idea of the one left waiting.
Collaboration in Cinema
Beyond its story, “Love in Vietnam” should be seen as a cultural bridge. The collaboration itself signals changes in how Asia-Pacific cinema might evolve — more partnerships, more blending of styles, more global reach.
Cast & Character Highlights
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Shantanu Maheshwari as Manav — an Indian youth and aspiring singer whose path takes him to Vietnam.
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Avneet Kaur as Simmi — Manav’s childhood love-interest in India, whose history and presence influence his choices.
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Khả Ngân as Linh — the Vietnamese artist whose portrait becomes a catalyst for Manav’s emotional awakening.
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Supporting performances from veterans such as Farida Jalal, Raj Babbar and Gulshan Grover enhance the film’s gravitas. Deccan Chronicle+1
Reception & Outlook
Early critical and audience commentary suggest that “Love in Vietnam” stands out for its visual richness, musical depth and fresh cast. Some reviewers highlighted that the film deserved more theatrical space despite stiff competition. The Times of India
In terms of ratings, one ticket-booking portal shows a user rating around 7.6/10. BookMyShow+1
Why You Should Watch It
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Offers a unique setting rarely used in mainstream Indian romance films: Vietnam.
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Combines Bollywood emotion with international cinematic ambition — a refreshing blend.
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Beautiful cinematography and music make it more than just a love story; it’s an experience.
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For audiences interested in cross-cultural films, this is a notable example of how romance can bridge borders.
Final Words
“Love in Vietnam” is more than a romantic drama — it’s a film that carries the ambition of connecting two distinct cinematic traditions, while telling a story about love, identity and finding one’s place in the world. If you’re seeking a love story with depth, atmosphere, and an international twist, this film merits your attention.