Shantanu Maheshwari and Avneet Kaur’s Love in Vietnam has created one of the most extraordinary global milestones for Indian cinema this year, sweeping two top honours at the Seoul Global Movie Awards 2025. The Indo-Vietnamese romantic drama won Best Film of Asia, while filmmaker Rahhat Shah Kazmi was named Best Director of Asia—making it the first Indian film and director ever to win both titles in South Korea.
Over the past few weeks, the film has been steadily capturing Korean hearts, and its triumph at the ceremony has solidified its growing cultural impact. Audiences and critics alike have lauded the film’s heartfelt storytelling, soulful performances, and visually immersive world.
Rahhat Shah Kazmi, deeply moved by the international recognition, said, “This honour from South Korea means the world to me. It reaffirms that when a story is told with sincerity, it can resonate anywhere.”
Shantanu Maheshwari—who has unexpectedly emerged as a Korean fan favourite—shared, “Watching viewers in South Korea cry, clap, and connect so intensely with our film is something I will never forget. Their love has touched me in a way I’ll cherish forever.”
Producer Captain Rahul Bali, who has championed the film from its inception, added, “These awards are a moment of immense pride not just for us, but for Indian cinema. South Korea’s embrace of Love in Vietnam proves how magical storytelling can be when cultures come together on screen.”
Following the wins, the film hosted a packed premiere in Seoul, drawing filmmakers, K-drama stars, K-pop artists, influencers, and major media houses. Many were visibly emotional throughout the screening, with a senior Korean filmmaker calling it “a world-class cinematic experience with emotions that speak to every culture.”
Korean singer Seiya, who lends her voice to one of the film’s pivotal tracks, grew tearful and expressed her desire to continue working in Indian cinema.
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 with Vikas Sharma, Kritika Rampal, Devansh Bhardwaj and Nguyen Cao Tung, Love in Vietnam now heads toward its India, Vietnam and global releases with powerful international momentum and a wave of goodwill.
