In a remarkable moment for the global film community, the first look of “Love in Vietnam,” Omung Kumar’s highly anticipated production debut, was unveiled at the prestigious 77th Cannes Film Festival. This historic India-Vietnam collaborative project stars Shantanu Maheshwari and Avneet Kaur, alongside celebrated Vietnamese actress Kha Ngan.
Avneet Kaur took to Instagram to share this thrilling development with her fans, expressing her joy and pride. “Proud to launch the first look of ‘#LoveInVietnam’ at Cannes! This is the first India-Vietnam collaboration and I couldn’t be happier sharing this with you all,” she wrote, capturing the excitement surrounding the project.
The film, directed by Rahhat Shah Kazmi, is an adaptation of the bestseller “Madonna in a Fur Coat.” The poster unveiling at Cannes was a star-studded affair, featuring the presence of the film’s leading actors Shantanu Maheshwari and Avneet Kaur, along with director Rahhat Shah Kazmi, producer Captain Rahul Bali, and co-producers Tariq Khan and Zeba Sajid.
Endorsements and support from significant entities underscore the film’s importance. It is backed by the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the Consulate General of Vietnam in Mumbai, and Vietnam Airlines.
Cannes continues to serve as a global stage for groundbreaking collaborations and cultural exchanges. Recently, Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, hosted the first-ever Bharat Parva at the French Riviera. This event was organized to celebrate India’s rich culture, cuisine, handicrafts, and cinema. A resounding success, the event saw delegates at Cannes fully immersed in extraordinary performances and a tantalizing array of fusion cuisine.
Approximately 250 delegates attended Bharat Parva, which served as a vivid showcase of Indian culture, cuisine, and cinema on an international platform. In addition to the event’s cultural offerings, posters for the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the save-the-date poster for the inaugural World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) were also unveiled.
The Bharat Pavilion was inaugurated on May 15 by Sanjay Jaju alongside Jawed Ashraf, Ambassador of India to France. Dignitaries such as Tholoana Rose Ncheke, Chairperson of the National Film and Video Foundation (South Africa), Christian Jeune, Director of Films Department, and filmmaker Richie Mehta were also in attendance.
. This year, the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), organized the Bharat Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival.
India’s continuous and active participation in Cannes underscores its commitment to showcasing its rich cinematic heritage and fostering international collaborations. Each year, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, led by the Government of India, spearheads Bharat’s participation, ensuring it stands out on this global stage. This involvement has enabled various Indian states and union territories, including Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra, to make their mark at the Cannes Film Market each year.
Returning to “Love in Vietnam,” Avneet Kaur’s social media post highlights not only the film’s cultural significance but also its role as a bridge between India and Vietnam’s vibrant cinematic traditions. “Proud to launch the first look of ‘#LoveInVietnam’ at Cannes! This is the first India-Vietnam collaboration and I couldn’t be happier sharing this with you all,” she reiterated on Instagram, accompanied by the film’s evocative first look.
Directed by Rahhat Shah Kazmi and based on the acclaimed book “Madonna in a Fur Coat,” “Love in Vietnam” is set to break new ground by blending narratives from two distinct cultures. The unwavering support from diplomatic channels and Vietnam Airlines further elevates the film’s stature on the global stage.
Expanding the scope of Indian cinema’s global reach, the recent Bharat Parva event saw impressive attendance and involvement. The exceptional performances and diverse fusion cuisine captivated the international delegates, showcasing the depth and diversity of Indian cultural offerings. The unveiling of posters for the upcoming editions of the IFFI and WAVES further cemented India’s prominent place in the global cinematic landscape.
The inauguration of the Bharat Pavilion by high-profile dignitaries like Secretary Sanjay Jaju and Ambassador Jawed Ashraf emphasized the collaborative spirit driving these endeavors. Prominent figures from the international film community joined in this celebration, reflecting the broader significance of India’s participation at Cannes.
The efforts of the NFDC and FICCI in organizing the Bharat Pavilion, a symbol of India’s rich cinematic heritage and its potential for fostering international collaborations, underscore the importance of these exchanges. With robust backing from various Indian states and union territories, India continues to have a compelling presence at the Cannes Film Market.
As “Love in Vietnam” garners attention on this prominent platform, it stands as a testament to the power of cultural exchange and collaborative creativity in the global film industry.
