Cinema often explores love in different forms. But rarely does it question what love means when it is more about memory, than possession. ‘Love in Vietnam’, directed by Rahhat Shah Kazmi, is one such film.
The movie builds on quiet emotions, simple moments. It also emphasizes the idea that love is not always about being with someone but about carrying them within.
The film follows the journey of three people: Manav (Shantanu Maheshwari), Simmi (Avneet Kaur), and Lin (Kha Ngan).
Manav and Simmi grow up together in India. Their bond is pure and innocent. But life takes a turn when Manav travels to Vietnam with his uncle (played by Raj Babbar).
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While in Vietnam, Manav comes across a photograph of Lin. In that very instant, something inside him changes. He feels drawn to her.
From here, the story moves between the comfort of Simmi, who has always been by his side, and the mystery of Lin, who seems almost like a dream.
The film doesn’t rush to give answers. Instead, it allows the audience to sit with Manav’s confusion. Is Lin real? Is she just an idea? The search itself becomes the heart of the story.
The music plays a big role in this movie. Songs like ‘Jeena Nahi’ carry sadness. ‘Pehli Nazar’ brings back the thrill of love at first sight. Tracks such as ‘I’m Ready’ and ‘Bade Din Hue’ shift the tone with warmth, and with hope.
Shantanu Maheshwari, as Manav, plays his role with control and subtlety. Avneet Kaur, as Simmi, brings strength in the later parts of the film. Kha Ngan, as Lin, gives the film its mystery. She is both present and distant.
The supporting cast includes veterans like Raj Babbar, Gulshan Grover, and Farida Jalal.
The film draws inspiration from a Turkish novel but has been adapted into an Indo-Vietnamese setting.