Love In Vietnam: A soulful romance starring Shantanu Maheshwari and Avneet Kaur that deserved a clearer run at the box-office

Love in Vietnam hit theatres on 12th September 2025, directed by Rahhat Shah Kazmi, marking the first India–Vietnam collaboration in the romance genre. With Shantanu Maheshwari, Avneet Kaur, and Khả Ngân in lead roles, the film promised freshness, scenic appeal, and soulful music.

The public response, however, has been mixed, largely due to factors beyond the film’s own merit. Here’s a breakdown of what the audiences felt:

The Music 

Every love story needs to have a solid soundtrack and this romantic drama had that. The songs of the film were going viral on social media and it felt that the songs had indeed struck a chord.

Fakira emerged as a heartbreak anthem that struck a deep chord with listeners.

Bade Din Huye, sung by Armaan Malik, brought innocence and warmth to the love story.

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Jeena Nahi was another song that connected emotionally.

Performances of the Leads 

Shantanu Maheshwari, the actor we saw in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi, was able to leave an impression as Manav, a boy chasing music and love. His sincerity made the character relatable.

Avneet Kaur added charm and emotional strength, especially in the second half.

Khả Ngân lended global flavor and elegance, leaving a lingering impact despite limited screen time.

Freshness of the lead pair

Viewers appreciated that the film didn’t rely on big names alone. The young cast, with their sincerity, gave the romance a genuine touch.

There have been a lot of movies this year that have been praised for the freshness they brought to the stories. It seems the tried and tested formula of casting the same pair over and over again is beginning to fade away. It seems it’s time for the makers to cast actors that have never worked before.

Vietnam’s Visual Grandeur 

The cinematography was breathtaking. From misty lakes to vibrant streets, Vietnam is not just a location, but almost a character in itself. Many moviegoers felt the DOP work elevated the film to another level.

What went wrong with Love In Vietnam?

Clash with Multiple Releases 

The biggest drawback, according to the public, was the release date. With several films releasing on September 12, Love in Vietnam did not get the attention, screen share, or visibility. This has been the case with many movies that bombed at the box-office purely because of an ill-timed release.

Limited Promotion 

Audiences felt the movie could have been marketed more strongly. With better awareness campaigns and buzz, the music and visuals could have pulled in larger crowds.

Screening Issues 

The film lost out on prime shows in many multiplexes due to heavy competition, which further impacted viewership.

Love in Vietnam is a film that deserved better timing and stronger promotions. Had it released on a less crowded weekend, it would have found more love at the box office. Still, for those who enjoy soft romances with soulful songs and postcard-perfect visuals, it is worth experiencing on the big screen.