Love in Vietnam Wins Big in Seoul, Shantanu Maheshwari Says 'Their Love Touched My Heart'

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.

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.