Love In Vietnam REVIEW: Shantanu Maheshwari, Avneet Kaur And Kha Ngan Weak Performances, Dull Script Weigh Down This Cross-Border Love Story

Film:
Love In Vietnam

Director: Rahat Shah Kazmi

Writer: Rahat Shah Kazmi, Kritika Rampal

Cast: Shantanu Maheshwari, Avneet Kaur and Kha Ngan

Platform: In theatres

Runtime: 2 hours and 12 minutes

Love In Vietnam Review

Love in Vietnam attempts to weave a cross-border romance between India and Vietnam, aiming to blend culture, emotion, and drama into one heartfelt narrative. The film story starts with childhood friends Manav (Shantanu Maheshwari) and Simmi (Avneet Kaur). Manav is sent to Vietnam to study, but he’s distracted when he sees a painting of a girl named Linh (Kha Ngan) and instantly falls in love. Called back to India due to his lack of focus, Manav learns from a friend that the girl he’s searching for is an artist and dancer. He cancels his return and decides to stay in Vietnam. When he finally meets Linh, the two fall in love. But there are lost of twist in the tale and the plot teases a love triangle and raises questions, what will Simmi do when she finds out about their love? Will this cross-border love survive?

The story has potential with its emotional conflict and cultural blend, and the Vietnamese locations are beautifully captured. However, the film falls short in execution. Weak performances and a dull script stop the film from making an impact, even though the premise is promising and the visuals are appealing.

What Works

The Vietnamese locales are undeniably stunning. The cinematography captures the landscapes, cityscapes, and cultural nuances beautifully, offering a visual treat. On paper, a love story bridging two countries holds a lot of promise, particularly in the current global climate where cross-cultural storytelling is in demand. The presence of seasoned actors like Farida Jalal, Raj Babbar, and Gulshan Grover lends occasional depth and gravitas to an otherwise superficial narrative.

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What Doesn’t Work

The leads fail to create the emotional gravity needed to carry a romantic drama. The chemistry feels forced, and the emotional beats often fall flat. The writing lacks depth, relying heavily on clichés and formulaic storytelling. There’s little originality or tension to sustain audience interest. The core love story feels rushed and underdeveloped, making it hard for viewers to invest in the characters’ journey. The film drags in parts, with several sequences feeling unnecessarily stretched while more critical emotional arcs are left underexplored.

Technical Analysis

The direction feels uncertain, particularly in balancing the romance with the socio-political subtext of a cross-cultural narrative. Key moments that should resonate emotionally are instead glossed over. The soundtrack is serviceable but forgettable. It neither enhances the narrative nor establishes a strong mood for the romance.

There are noticeable pacing problems, especially in the second half. Transitions between scenes often feel abrupt, disrupting the narrative flow. The film’s cinematography is the strongest asset. Vietnam is captured in all its beauty, adding a layer of visual polish to an otherwise underwhelming film.

Star Performances

Shantanu Maheshwari brings charm but struggles with emotional depth. His portrayal feels one-note, especially during key dramatic moments where stronger nuance was needed. He seems miscast for a character that demands more intensity and maturity.

Avneet Kaur as Simmi brings a few sparks of energy, but ultimately cannot transcend the limitations of a poorly written character. Her performance lacks the emotional weight needed for viewers to empathise with Simmi’s journey.

Despite being a Vietnamese star, Kha Ngan’s role is underwritten. Her performance feels distant, and the lack of chemistry with her co-stars further weakens her presence. It’s a missed opportunity to bring authentic emotional depth from the Vietnamese side of the story.

Veteran actors like Farida Jalal, Raj Babbar, and Gulshan Grover bring professionalism and brief moments of sincerity to the screen. However, their roles are limited and underutilised.

Mir Sarwar, Saquib Ayub, Krishika Patel, Kusum Tickoo, and Monica Aggarwal do their best with what they’re given, but none stand out due to the lack of meaningful character development.

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Conclusion

Love In Vietnam had all the ingredients for a compelling, heartfelt cross-border romance a unique setting, fresh cast, and a globally resonant premise. Unfortunately, it squanders that potential with uninspired performances and a flat, lifeless script. While the scenic backdrops and a few moments from the supporting cast offer brief relief, they’re not enough to redeem the film from its overall mediocrity.

Watch the trailer of Love In Vietnam here:

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Manisha Karki

Manisha has established a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling with over six years of expertise in the industry. With a deep passion for cinema, she brings a unique perspective to her coverage, making it a trusted voice in the entertainment world.