“Love in Vietnam” is the first cinematic collaboration between Vietnam and India since the two countries established diplomatic relations 75 years ago. The film is directed and written by Indian filmmaker Rahhat Shah Kazmi.
Inspired by the Turkish novel “Madonna in a Fur Coat” (1943), which has been translated into 17 languages, the story follows Manav (Shantanu Maheshwari), the son of an Indian billionaire who comes to Vietnam to study agriculture.
In a country with unfamiliar culture, customs, and language, he accidentally meets and falls in love with Linh (Khả Ngân) at first sight. Just as their romance begins, Manav is forced by his parents to return to India. When he is able to come back, he must choose between marrying the woman his family wants or pursuing his true love.
Khả Ngân is well-known for her roles in both film and television, including “100 Days of Sunshine” (2018), “11 Months 5 Days” (2021), and “My Family Is Suddenly Happy” (2023). She was nominated for Best Actress at the 2019 Vietnam Film Festival and was listed among the “Top 100 Most Beautiful Faces in the World 2020” by online magazine TC Candler.
Shantanu Maheshwari, who plays the male lead, is a renowned actor and dancer in India, having appeared in numerous films and game shows. He won Best Male Debut at the IIFA International Film Awards, was champion of the World Dance Championship in Los Angeles, USA, and has received many other accolades.
“Love in Vietnam” showcases the beauty of many tourist destinations and resorts in Vietnam, with standout scenes at the Kiss Bridge in Phu Quoc, the Golden Bridge in Da Nang, the Great Stupa of Kinh Luân in Da Lat, Lam Dong, as well as locations in Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City.
According to the producers, “Love in Vietnam” is expected to be released internationally in India, China, and South Korea. These are all major markets with significant potential, offering opportunities not only to promote high-end travel experiences but also to showcase aspects of local spiritual culture.
Notably, this is also the first Vietnamese film to be released in China since 2020.
Indian co-producer Rahul Sudesh Bali is a prominent figure in fostering Vietnam-India cultural exchange. In addition to “Love in Vietnam”, he has also participated in producing the film “Silla” (scheduled to begin filming in August 2025), which features stunning locations from the North Central region of Vietnam, including Quang Binh (Son Doong, Phong Nha), Ninh Binh, Quang Ninh (Ha Long), Cao Bang, and Hanoi.
The film is expected to premiere in Vietnam in January 2026.
(Source: Vietnam+)