Vogue International Feature
Indian filmmaker Rahhat Shah Kazmi has just redefined the global perception of Indian cinema. What began as an emotional, sold-out premiere of Love in Vietnam in Seoul has now transformed into a historic triumph—the film swept two of the top honours at the Seoul Global Movie Awards 2025: Best Director of Asia for Kazmi and Best Film of Asia for Love in Vietnam.
This is the first time in the history of Indian cinema that an Indian film has won both these major awards in Korea, especially at SGMA—one of the country’s premier international awards ceremonies, presented by the Korean Film Actors Association in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government. It is more than a milestone; it is a tectonic shift for Indian storytelling on the world stage.
A Premiere That Moved Korea to Tears
Before its awards-night triumph, Love in Vietnam had already captured hearts. Its grand, houseful premiere in Seoul left the Korean audience visibly emotional—many wiping their tears as the film’s universal themes of love, longing and destiny unfolded on-screen.
Korean filmmakers, K-drama stars and influencers praised the film’s emotional depth and visual grandeur. A respected senior director remarked, “This film was far above expectations… It felt like watching a mainstream Hollywood drama crafted with an Asian soul.”
For Rahhat Shah Kazmi, the response was deeply personal.
“Hearing such praise from the Korean film industry is an experience of a lifetime,” he said.
The premiere became a celebration of artistry and cross-cultural connection, setting the stage for the awards that would soon follow.
The Night Indian Cinema Made History in Korea
At the Seoul Global Movie Awards, the atmosphere shifted from admiration to awe as Love in Vietnam was announced the Best Film of Asia, followed by Rahhat Shah Kazmi receiving the coveted Best Director of Asia award.
The hall erupted as Kazmi took the stage—an Indian filmmaker standing tall on one of Korea’s most prestigious platforms. Vogue editors in attendance called the moment “a defining victory for Asian cinema and a new benchmark for Indian filmmakers.”
Kazmi’s acceptance speech resonated deeply:
“This award is not just mine—it belongs to every Indian storyteller who believes our stories can cross oceans and hearts.”
An International Collaboration with Vision
Produced by Rahhat Shah Kazmi, Captain Rahul Bali, Omung Kumar, Sarvesh Goel, Tariq Khan, Zeba Sajid, Mohammad Antulay, Sahil Sheikh and Pankaj Singh Chauhan, with Samten Hills Dalat as co-producer and support from Vikas Sharma, Kritika Rampal and Devansh Bhardwaj, the film represents a rare tri-national creative partnership.
Backed by Faar East Distilleries, Furama Resort Danang, Vietnam Airlines and Sun Group Vietnam, the team crafted a film that is visually stunning and emotionally universal.
Shot across Vietnam’s most breathtaking landscapes—from the pristine beaches of Furama Danang, to the mist-covered peaks of Ba Na Hills, the turquoise magic of Phu Quoc, and the spiritual expanse of Samten Hills Dalat—the film elevates the visual grammar of Indian cinema to a global standard.
A Premiere Filled with Stardom & Emotion
At the Seoul premiere, actor Shantanu Maheshwari received thunderous admiration, surrounded by Korean fans eager for photos and dance moments. Co-producer Captain Rahul Bali called it “a proud moment for India,” while Jatin Tomar of Dreamfact Entertainment—the Korean distribution partner—celebrated the impact of the film’s storytelling.
Dreamfact representatives Mr. Kim and Ms. Byon described the film as “heart-touching, brilliantly acted and beautifully written.”
Korean singer Seiya, who performed one of the film’s key tracks, was moved to tears. “I hope to sing in more Indian films,” she said after the premiere.
A New Era for Indo–Korean Cinema Relations
The success of Love in Vietnam—from an emotional Seoul premiere to winning Best Director & Best Film of Asia—has opened an entirely new chapter in cultural exchange between India and Korea. It signals that Indian stories not only travel well, they resonate deeply across continents.
As the film prepares for its India, Vietnam and global release, the world is watching—and Rahhat Shah Kazmi stands at the forefront of a new movement in international cinema.
With Love in Vietnam, he hasn’t just won awards—he has rewritten what is possible for Indian filmmakers on the world stage.