Despite release clashes, 'Love In Vietnam' stands out for Its music, visuals, and fresh cast

Love in Vietnam, directed by Rahhat Shah Kazmi, released on September 12 amidst one of the busiest box office weekends of the year. With multiple Hindi releases and the Japanese anime Demon Slayer and Mirai commanding the majority of screens, the Indo–Vietnam collaboration had limited space. Yet the film has managed to carve a niche for itself with its soulful music, stunning visuals, and the sincerity of its young leads.

A fresh romance with soul

At its heart, Love in Vietnam is a tender romance. The film follows Manav (Shantanu Maheshwari), Simmi (Avneet Kaur), and Lin (Khả Ngân) in a love triangle that blurs the line between memory, imagination, and reality. What makes the story resonate is not merely its plot but its emotional honesty — it feels like a lived experience rather than a manufactured drama.

Audiences have particularly connected with the idea of “being someone’s last love rather than their first”, a theme that lends the film depth and maturity.

Music that stays with you

One of the film’s biggest strengths has been its soundtrack, which went viral even before release. From Fakira — now a heartbreak anthem — to Armaan Malik’s Bade Din Huye and the deeply moving Jeena Nahi, the music feels like the heartbeat of the film.

Several reviewers have already called this the best musical album of the year, placing it in the league of iconic soundtracks like Life in a… Metro and Saiyaara. The way the songs are woven into the narrative makes them feel organic rather than forced.

Performances that work

Shantanu Maheshwari brings earnestness to Manav, making audiences root for his journey. Avneet Kaur shines particularly in the second half, combining natural charm with emotional gravity. Khả Ngân adds elegance and a global flavour that elevates the film’s appeal. Veteran actors Raj Babbar, Farida Jalal, and Gulshan Grover add depth without overshadowing the younger cast. The freshness of the lead pair — Shantanu and Avneet — has been repeatedly praised, with audiences finding the combination refreshing in an industry that often recycles the same pairings.

Visual grandeur of Vietnam

Cinematography is another winning aspect. The lakes, streets, and cultural backdrops of Vietnam are captured in postcard-like frames. The setting is not merely a backdrop but an emotional canvas that enriches the love story.

Despite facing a tough release window, Love in Vietnam has held its ground worldwide and performed well. This steady trend points to strong word of mouth, especially among urban youth and music lovers. The film opened with only around 280 screens in India (compared to Mirai’s 2,000+), yet its collections reflect solid occupancy and strong audience pull in metros and select Tier-2 cities.

Trade analysts believe that with continued positive word of mouth and its strong digital music footprint, the film could grow further over the weekend and hold steady in the long run.

The trade view: A film that deserved more space

Yes, the clash hurt Love in Vietnam — fewer prime-time shows, limited visibility, and divided media attention. But within these constraints, the film is already showing resilience. Its China release deal, secured even before the Indian release, further positions it as a global romance with cross-border appeal. For a debut pairing like Shantanu and Avneet to pull in close to ₹3.5 crore worldwide in two days during such a crowded weekend is commendable. With better timing, trade experts feel the film could have performed significantly better.

The may not have arrived in the most favourable release slot, but it has stood out for its music, visuals, and fresh storytelling. The film is proof that sincere romances with strong music can still find their voice amidst big clashes. As it continues its run, it has every chance to become a slow-burn winner with audiences who crave heartfelt cinema.