Love in Vietnam
Love in Vietnam is a 2025 Indian-Vietnamese romantic drama film written and directed by Rahat Shah Kazmi. It is based on the novel Madonna in a Fur Coat, and features Shantanu Maheshwari, Avneet Kaur and Khả Ngân with legendary actors Raj Babbar, Farida Jalal and Gulshan Grover in supporting roles.
Principal photography commenced in September 2024 at Vietnam and took two months to complete. The film was released in India on 12 September 2025 and in Việt Nam on 9 January 2026.
Cast
- Shantanu Maheshwari as Manav
- Avneet Kaur as Simmi
- as Linh
- Farida Jalal as Bebbe
- Raj Babbar as Soorma Singh
- Gulshan Grover as Pankaj
- Mir Sarwar as Simmi's father
- Saquib Ayub as Harbinder Singh
- John Nhia as Tung
- Krishika Patel as Dolly
- Kusum Tickoo as Simmi's mother
- Monica Aggarwal as Ms. Monica
- Tahir Ashraf as HE Dr Sethi - Consul General and later Ambassador of India to Vietnam
Production
The film was announced at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. It is based on the novel Madonna in a Fur Coat, written by Sabahattin Ali. Shantanu Maheshwari, Avneet Kaur and Khả Ngân was cast to appear in the film. Principal photography of the film commenced in September 2024, and filming ended in December 2024. The filming took place in Vietnam and India.Music
The first single titled "Bade Din Huye" was released on 22 July 2025. The second single titled "Fakira" was released on 18 August 2025. The third single title "Burrah Burrah" was released on 1 September 2025.Release
The official Poster of the film was released at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in May 2024 at the Bharat Pavilion. The film's poster was unveiled by the Ambassador of India to France, Mr. Jawed Ashraf, in the presence of producer Captain Rahul Bali, director Rahat Kazmi, and lead actors Shantanu Maheshwari and Avneet Kaur.The trailer of the film was released on 25 August 2025. The film was cleared with a U/A certificate from the CBFC.
The film was premiered at the Da Nang Asian Film Festival, Vietnam on 1 July 2025.
Reception
The film garnered widespread acclaim from renowned filmmakers, esteemed critics and leading media houses in India and around the world.Hollywood's leading publication Variety praised the film and lauded its groundbreaking distribution deal in China.
Vietnam's longest-running newspaper, Lao Động, stated that the film lays the foundation for a promising cinematic collaboration between India and Vietnam.
Acclaimed filmmaker Imtiaz Ali praised the film for its freshness and making history by securing 10,000 screens in China even before releasing in India.
Varun Dhawan called it a “very sweet and endearing” film praising the lead actors Avneet Kaur and Shantanu Maheshwari and the beautiful locations showcased in the film.
Murtaza Ali Khan from The Sunday Guardian praised the film saying it "bridges cultures through cinematic romance and diplomacy".
The Times of India deemed Love in Vietnam a stand out for its soulful music, striking visuals, and a refreshing cast despite release clashes.
Business World in its review hailed Love In Vietnam as a tender, soulful film that dares to be quiet in the noisy world of Bollywood giving it a solid rating of 4.5/5.
Priyanka Gupta of DNA praised the film as a poignant and sincere romance, lauding its emotional depth and honest storytelling. She awarded it a 4 out of 5 rating.