Love in Vietnam Sweeps Top Awards in Korea, Shantanu Maheshwari Calls Audience Reaction “Unforgettable”

Shantanu Maheshwari and Avneet Kaur’s Love in Vietnam has delivered one of the biggest global moments for Indian cinema this year by winning two major honours at the Seoul Global Movie Awards 2025. The film was awarded Best Film of Asia, and director Rahhat Shah Kazmi won Best Director of Asia, marking the first time an Indian film and filmmaker have taken home both awards in South Korea.

The Indo-Vietnamese romantic drama has been gathering strong momentum among Korean audiences over the past few weeks, and the award ceremony cemented its rising popularity. Viewers and critics have praised the film for its emotional storytelling, performances, and visual appeal.

Rahhat Shah Kazmi, moved by the recognition, said, “This recognition from South Korea means the world to me. It proves that if a story is told with honesty, it can touch hearts anywhere in the world.”

Shantanu Maheshwari, who has become a surprise favourite among Korean fans, added, “To see audiences in South Korea cry, clap and connect with our film so deeply is unforgettable. Their love has truly touched my heart.”

Producer Captain Rahul Bali, who has championed the project from its early stages, said, “Winning these awards is an exhilarating moment of immense pride, not just for our team but for Indian cinema as a whole. South Korea’s admiration for Love in Vietnam underscores the magic of storytelling when cultures meet on screen.”

Following the award wins, the film held a packed premiere in Seoul that brought together filmmakers, K-drama actors, K-pop artists, influencers and media houses. Many in the audience were seen wiping tears as the film progressed, with one senior Korean filmmaker calling it “a world-class cinematic experience with emotions that speak universally.”

Korean singer Seiya, who performs one of the film’s key songs, grew emotional during the show and expressed her wish to continue working in Indian cinema.

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Love in Vietnam is produced by Captain Rahul Bali, Rahhat Shah Kazmi, Omung Kumar, Sarvesh Goel, Tariq Khan, Zeba Sajid, Mohammad Antulay, Sahil Sheikh, and Pankaj Singh Chauhan, and co-produced by Samten Hills Dalat in association with Vikas Sharma, Kritika Rampal, Devansh Bhardwaj, and Nguyen Cao Tung.

With its award wins and emotional reaction in South Korea, the film now moves into its India, Vietnam, and global releases with strong international momentum.

FAQs

What is Love in Vietnam (2025)?

Love in Vietnam is a 2025 Indian-Vietnamese romantic drama directed by Rahhat Shah Kazmi, blending cross-border love and culture with a Hindi-Vietnamese narrative.

When was Love in Vietnam released in India?

The film released theatrically in India on 12 September 2025, marking its official domestic debut.

Who are the lead actors in Love in Vietnam?

The film stars Shantanu Maheshwari, Avneet Kaur, and Vietnamese actress Khả Ngân in the central romantic roles.

Where did Love in Vietnam have its world premiere?

It had its grand red-carpet world premiere at the Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF) 2025 in Vietnam.

What is the basic storyline of the film?

The story follows Manav, a young Indian, whose life and heart are transformed in Vietnam when he falls for Vietnamese artist Linh amidst cultural and romantic conflict.

Has Love in Vietnam won any international awards?

Yes — the film won two major honors at the 2025 Seoul Global Movie Awards, a historic feat for an Indian film.

When did Love in Vietnam release in Korea?

The film expanded internationally with a South Korean release on 8 December 2025, following its success abroad.

Is Love in Vietnam being released in China?

Yes — it secured a theatrical deal across 10,000 screens in China, a rare milestone for an Indian film.

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