Love in Vietnam Review: Will This Love Story Win Hearts Like Saiyaara?

 

This year Bollywood is full of romance. After films like Saiyaara, Param Sundari and Dhadak 2, another romantic drama has hit theatres on 12 September – Love in Vietnam. The movie stars Avneet Kaur and Shantanu Maheshwari in lead roles. The big question is – will this love story touch hearts like Saiyaara or will it fade away?

Movie budget around ₹5 crore estimated.

Story and Setup

The story begins in Punjab, where Manav (played by Shantanu Maheshwari) loses his parents in a tragic train accident. His uncle Surma Singh (Raj Babbar) raises him with strict discipline. Manav’s childhood friend is Simmy (Avneet Kaur), and their marriage is fixed since childhood. Manav loves music, but his uncle wants him to learn farming. To make him more responsible, Surma sends him to Vietnam. Simmy also travels with him.

In Vietnam, Manav comes across the painting of a dancer and artist named Lin (Kho Ngân). Her charm instantly attracts him, and he sets out to find her. This creates a triangle of emotions between Manav, Simmy, and Lin.

What Works

The biggest attraction of the film is its location. Vietnam’s beautiful landscapes, city views, and airline scenes make the film visually rich. The chemistry between Shantanu and Avneet looks pleasant in parts. The idea of cross-cultural romance has potential, and Raj Babbar adds depth to his character with his natural acting.

What Doesn’t Work

The problem lies in the weak screenplay. The story has no freshness and follows a very predictable path. The love triangle, which could have been intense and emotional, feels shallow. The script avoids real social and cultural conflicts, which makes the drama less engaging. At times, the film feels more like a tourism advertisement for Vietnam rather than a heartfelt romance.

Verdict

Love in Vietnam tries to present a cross-border love story, but it lacks the soul of a true romance. Unlike Saiyaara, which made audiences emotional, this film struggles to connect. It is beautiful to look at but empty in emotions. For fans of Avneet and Shantanu, it may still be worth a watch, but as a love story, it doesn’t deliver the magic expected.