"Love In Vietnam," starring Shantanu Maheshwari and Avneet Kaur, premiered in theaters on September 12, 2025, marking the first Indian-Vietnamese collaboration in Hindi cinema. Directed by Rahhat Shah Kazmi and inspired by the novel "Madonna in a Fur Coat" by Sabahattin Ali, the film is a cross-cultural romantic drama. It also features Vietnamese actress Kha Ngan, making her Bollywood debut.
The film follows Manav (Shantanu Maheshwari), an Indian boy, and Linh (Khả Ngân), a Vietnamese girl, through a journey of life and friendship. Manav is sent to Vietnam for an agriculture course but is captivated by a painting of Linh and falls in love. The story also involves Simmi (Avneet Kaur), Manav's childhood friend, creating a love triangle. Veteran actors Raj Babbar, Gulshan Grover, and Farida Jalal also appear in pivotal roles.
"Love In Vietnam" secured a historic 10,000-screen theatrical release in China, scheduled for Christmas 2025. The film was announced at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and principal photography commenced in Vietnam in September 2024, lasting two months. The film was premiered at the Da Nang Asian Film Festival, Vietnam on July 1, 2025.
The music for the film is composed by Tuhin K Biswas, with songs by Meet Bros, Amaal Malik, and Rashid Khan. Cinematography is by Dudley, and editing by Sanjay Sankla.
However, the film had a slow start at the box office. On its opening day, "Love In Vietnam" earned ₹0.06 crore in India, with a gross collection of ₹0.07 crore worldwide. The film's occupancy was low, around 6-8% across India. While some praised the cinematography and music, it struggled to reach a wider audience. The film's estimated budget was ₹20 crore.
Reviews for "Love In Vietnam" have been mixed. Some critics noted the predictable script and weak storytelling. Others appreciated the performances of Shantanu Maheshwari, Avneet Kaur, and Khả Ngân. Some reviews highlighted the film's beautiful visuals and the refreshing on-screen pairing of Shantanu Maheshwari and Avneet Kaur. Avneet Kaur's portrayal of Simmi, embodying the Punjabi spirit, has been particularly noted. Kha Ngan's role adds an international touch to the film.
Despite the mixed reviews and slow box office start, some believe positive word-of-mouth could help the film gain traction. The film is a celebration of two rich cultures coming together. The director, Rahhat Shah Kazmi, sees the film as a deeply personal project, born from a love for storytelling and the bond between India and Vietnam.