Love in Vietnam (2025) Movie: Shantanu-Avneet’s Cross-Border Romance Falls Short of Expectations

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Love in Vietnam hits theaters as a bold cross-cultural romance that brings together Shantanu Maheshwari, Avneet Kaur, and Vietnamese star Khả Ngân under director Rahat Shah Kazmi’s vision. This 2025 Indian-Vietnamese collaboration draws inspiration from the Turkish classic “Madonna in a Fur Coat” to create something uniquely contemporary.

The film features seasoned actors like Gulshan Grover, Farida Jalal, and Raj Babbar in supporting roles, giving weight to this international production. Released on September 12, 2025, the movie represents a fresh take on romance that crosses geographical boundaries and cultural differences.

A Journey From Dreams to Heartbreak

Manav (Shantanu Maheshwari) starts as a young singer with big dreams who gets redirected to Vietnam for agricultural studies by his practical uncle. His childhood companion Simi (Avneet Kaur) tags along, creating an interesting friendship dynamic that becomes central to the story.

Vietnam becomes the backdrop where Manav meets Linh (Khả Ngân), a local girl who completely changes his world. Their love story blooms quickly, but Linh vanishes without explanation, leaving Manav searching for answers and closure across two countries.

Acting That Shows Promise and Problems

Shantanu Maheshwari tries hard to portray the broken romantic hero but doesn’t quite reach the emotional heights the role demands. I found his performance works better in lighter moments than during the film’s heavier dramatic scenes where deeper feelings need to surface.

Avneet Kaur brings natural warmth to Simi, making her the film’s most relatable character. Her portrayal of a loyal friend caught between support and her own feelings feels genuine and connects well with viewers.

Vietnam Steals Every Scene

The Vietnamese locations absolutely shine throughout the film. Shot at Samten Hills Dalat, every frame looks like a postcard from paradise. The landscape becomes almost like another character, drawing viewers into this exotic world of rice fields and mountains.

However, I noticed that the stunning visuals sometimes overshadow the human story. The camera loves the scenery so much that character development takes a backseat to these beautiful but distracting shots.

Direction That Misses the Mark

Rahat Shah Kazmi had a solid concept for cross-cultural storytelling but struggles with execution. The pacing feels uneven, jumping between slow romantic moments and rushed plot developments that don’t give emotions time to breathe.

I feel the director relied too heavily on the exotic location appeal instead of building the emotional foundation that makes viewers care about these characters. The story needed more time to develop the central relationships properly.

Mixed Reviews from Critics

Film critics have given varied opinions about this romantic drama. Some praised the visual appeal and lead chemistry, while others criticized the story’s abrupt pacing and lack of emotional depth in key dramatic moments.

Popular film websites noted that while both leads deliver decent performances, the film feels more like a scenic travelogue than a compelling love story. The consensus points to missed opportunities in storytelling despite good intentions.

My Take on This Cross-Border Romance

Love in Vietnam works as a visual experience that showcases beautiful locations and decent chemistry between its leads. The film succeeds in creating an attractive package but fails to deliver the emotional punch that great love stories require.

I believe the movie had potential but needed stronger character development and better pacing to make viewers truly invest in Manav’s journey. The cultural exchange concept deserves credit, but execution needed more refinement to create lasting impact.

Rating: 2.5/5