Love In Vietnam Review: Shantanu Maheshwari And Avneet Kaur’s Cross-Culture Romance Is An Exhausting Mess
Read our review for Love in Vietnam here!
0.5 / 5
When I first came across the upcoming film Love In Vietnam, I was intrigued. Promoted as a cross-country romance project between India and Vietnam, two countries rich with scenic beauty and diverse cultures, my expectations were certainly high. Unfortunately, 10 minutes into the film, it all came crashing down. From cringeworthy dialogues to messy plotlines, Rahhat Shah Kazmi’s Love In Vietnam, starring Shantanu Maheshwari, Avneet Kaur and Kha Ngan, turns out to be an exhausting watch. Read on to know all our thoughts about the film.
Plot Of Love In Vietnam
Loosely based on the 1943 Turkish novel Madonna in a Fur Coat by Sabahattin Ali, the film follows Manav (Shantanu Maheshwari), a music-loving boy from Punjab who lives with his uncle (Raj Babbar). Against Manav’s wishes, his uncle sends him to Vietnam to study farming. Accompanying him is his childhood friend Simmi (Avneet Kaur), who is hopelessly in love with him. In Vietnam, Manav encounters a portrait of a girl in an art gallery and becomes completely captivated by it. He then embarks on a quest to find the girl of his dreams, Linh (Kha Ngan).
Performances
Shantanu Maheshwari As Manav: Known for lighter roles, Shantanu Maheshwari struggles to embody the depth of heartbreak his character demands. The actor, as the depressed, lovesick Manav, desperate to find the love of his life while wandering on the streets of Vietnam, is unconvincing and even looks comical at times.
Avneet Kaur As Simmi: Simmi’s character is disappointingly underdeveloped. Each time Avneet Kaur appears on screen, it seems like she is delivering the same two lines she did a few minutes ago. Her role was reduced to an obstacle in Manav’s pursuit of Linh. Yet, in the rare moments where the script allows her individuality, Avneet shines.
Kha Ngan As Linh: Vietnamese actress Kha Ngan was fun to watch on the screen, and I definitely want to see more of her. The few times when the actress gets to flaunt her acting, she proves herself. However, her screen time is shockingly limited for a project marketed as a cultural collaboration. Her talent shows in brief glimpses, leaving you wishing for more.
Verdict – A Cringe And Exhausting Mess
Love In Vietnam collapses under the weight of its own flaws. Centred around Vietnam, the film lacks visual appeal and rarely lets the audience or characters interact with the foreign culture. Almost all the characters in the movie are Indian, even Linh’s landlord is Indian (what are the odds, really). The supporting cast makes no impact, the pacing is erratic, and the storyline feels disconnected.
The three leads lack chemistry, and Shantanu’s Manav comes across as unlikable and immature. Love In Vietnam lacks in establishing even one scene that will make you care about any of the characters in the movie.
Shantanu Maheshwari’s Manav is unlikable; he is irresponsible and almost like a man-child at times. He constantly degrades Simmi and follows Linh around like a lovesick puppy. The second half of the film was extremely frustrating when Manav turns into a bereaved, heartbroken man wandering around helplessly with torn clothes and scruffy hair. These scenes elicit more of an eye roll than sympathy.
The big plot twist that comes at the end of the film is lazy and overused, something straight out of a daily soap that moms love to watch. Simmi’s morally grey choices are brushed aside with yet another forgettable love song. Weak direction, bland music, and missed opportunities in cinematography only make matters worse. At times, the film feels more suited to a music video than a two-hour feature. Riddled with clichés and plot holes Love In Vietnam fails to deliver the romance or depth it promised.
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First Published: September 12, 2025 3:04 PM
