Does Shantanu Maheshwari's ‘Love in Vietnam’ Bridge Cultures?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- ‘Love in Vietnam’ is a groundbreaking India-Vietnam co-production.
- The film showcases the beauty of cultural exchange through storytelling.
- Shantanu Maheshwari leads a talented cast in this romantic musical.
- Set against Vietnam’s breathtaking landscapes, it highlights universal human virtues.
- Positive reception at the Da Nang Asian Film Festival reflects its cultural significance.
Mumbai, July 5 (NationPress) Actor Shantanu Maheshwari, recognized for his roles in ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, ‘Tooth Pari: When Love Bites’, and ‘Campus Beats’, has expressed that his film ‘Love in Vietnam’ serves as a bridge between two beautiful cultures.
The film's world premiere was recently held at the modern Ariyana Convention Centre in the picturesque coastal city of Danang, Vietnam, during the 3rd edition of the Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF). This marks the first-ever co-production between India and Vietnam. The event witnessed Shantanu Maheshwari, Kha Ngan, director Rahhat Shah Kazmi, and producers Captain Rahul Bali, Sarvesh Goel, Mohammed Antuley, Sahil Sheikh, and Zeba Sajid walking down the red carpet.
While discussing the film, Shantanu Maheshwari remarked, “‘Love in Vietnam’ is a heartwarming journey that resonated with me from the start. Witnessing its warm reception at the world premiere is truly humbling. It’s a narrative that surpasses borders, and I take pride in representing a film that connects two magnificent cultures.”
The gala evening was graced by the presence of Ms. Ngo Phuong Lan, Director of DANAFF, Ms. T. Ajungla Jamir, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoi An, Head of Danang Culture, Sports & Tourism Department, and Ms. Mizonova M Georgievna, Consul General of Russia.
Set against the breathtaking landscapes of Vietnam, the film portrays some of humanity's greatest virtues, including love, resilience, commitment, sacrifice, and respect.
Rahhat Shah Kazmi expressed, “I’m genuinely moved by the affection this film has garnered from audiences. As a musical, we were somewhat anxious about its appeal to viewers outside India, but love is a universal sentiment, and that’s what resonated with everyone. The positive feedback from the media, critics, and the industry here in Vietnam has been incredibly encouraging.”
This romantic film was officially unveiled at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in May 2024. Produced by internationally acclaimed curator and filmmaker Captain Rahul Bali, along with Omung Kumar, Sarvesh Goel, Mohammad Antuley, and Sahil Sheikh, this cross-cultural love story features a talented cast from both nations, including Shantanu Maheshwari, Avneet Kaur, Raj Babbar, Gulshan Grover, Farida Jalal, Krisheka Patel, and Vietnamese superstar Kha Ngan.
‘Love in Vietnam’ is set to hit theaters globally later this year.