Indo-Vietnamese Cinematic Masterpiece 'Love in Vietnam' Enthralls Royal Family and Dignitaries at Landmark Thimphu Screening

The high-profile gathering included H.E. Ambassador of India to Bhutan Mr. Sandeep Arya, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bhutan Mr. Gaurav Ray, and Head of UNICEF in Bhutan Ms. Rushnan Murtaza, alongside senior government officials and the diplomatic corps. With an audience exceeding 200 invited guests, the event underscored a profound cultural affinity and a growing appreciation for Indian cinema within the Kingdom. Love in Vietnam has garnered widespread international recognition for its evocative storytelling and rich visual aesthetics, transcending cultural boundaries. The Thimphu audience was deeply moved by its emotional depth and universal themes of love, resilience, and human connection.

Standing as a poignant reminder of cinema’s ability to heal and unite, the film was produced by Captain Rahul Bali and directed by Rahhat Shah Kazmi, inspired by the celebrated novel Madonna in a Fur Coat. Shot across the breathtaking landscapes of Vietnam, the production features a stellar cast including Shantanu Maheshwari, Avneet Kaur, and Vietnamese superstar Khả Ngân, supported by legendary Indian actors Raj Babbar, Farida Jalal, and Gulshan Grover. H.E. Ambassador Sandeep Arya highlighted the screening as a reaffirmation of the enduring people-to-people ties between India and Bhutan, while Her Majesty Gyalyum Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck praised the film as a visual treat that beautifully captures the essence of human connection and strengthens international friendship.

The film's critical success is highlighted by its historic achievement at the Seoul Global Movie Awards 2025, where it became the first Indian film to win Best Film of Asia and Best Director of Asia. Furthermore, lead actress Avneet Kaur received the Most Promising Performer (Female) award at the Iconic Gold Awards 2026 in Mumbai. As the first-ever India-Vietnam collaboration, the project received extensive support from the Embassies of India and Vietnam, the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA), Vietnam Airlines, Vietravel, Furama Resorts Danang, Sun Group, Dragon Distilleries, and various cultural collaborators. Presented by Zee Studios and distributed by Reliance Entertainment, the film is a joint production by Innovations India, RKFS, Blue Lotus Pictures, And Productions, Mango Tree Entertainment, Zebaish Entertainment, Tariq Khan Productions, Samten Hills (Dalat), and 1-All Stars in association with Global Impex. This successful showcase in Thimphu reinforces cinema as a meaningful medium for enhancing the unique and iron-clad ties between India and Bhutan.