Rahhat Shah Kazmi Makes History With Best Director & Best Film Wins at the Seoul Global Movie Awards 2025
When Rahhat Shah Kazmi arrived in Seoul for the premiere of Love in Vietnam, he had no idea he was standing on the edge of one of the greatest international breakthroughs in contemporary Indian cinema. The night began with a sold-out theatre and ended with Korean audiences wiping away tears—an emotional reception rarely experienced by foreign films in Korea. But what happened next shifted the global narrative entirely.
Just days after its moving premiere, Love in Vietnam swept two of the highest honours at the Seoul Global Movie Awards 2025—Best Film of Asia and Best Director of Asia for Kazmi—making it the first Indian film in history to win both top awards at Korea’s prestigious international ceremony, presented by the Korean Film Actors Association with the support of the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
For Kazmi, this is more than an award—it’s a career-defining milestone.
“This proves our stories can cross borders, cross cultures, and still feel deeply personal,” he said backstage, moments after receiving the trophy.
A Premiere That Became a Cultural Moment
The Seoul premiere was nothing short of electric. The auditorium filled with K-drama stars, K-pop artists, global influencers and major Korean filmmakers witnessed a film that spoke a universal emotional language. When the credits rolled, the room stayed silent for a long heartbeat—then erupted into applause. Viewers approached the cast with tears in their eyes, calling the film “honest,” “healing,” and “unforgettable.”
Actor Shantanu Maheshwari became a major highlight of the night as Korean fans mobbed him for selfies and dance videos, turning him into an instant Hallyu-favorite.
Meanwhile, Korean singer Seiya, who performed one of the soundtrack’s standout tracks, broke down during the screening.
“I felt so connected,” she said. “I want to sing more for Indian cinema.”
A Cross-Border Collaboration With Global Ambition
Love in Vietnam is an ambitious international venture 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.
Backed by Faar East Distilleries, Furama Resort Danang, Vietnam Airlines and Sun Group Vietnam, the film brings together talent, music and landscapes from three nations.
Shot across Vietnam’s most cinematic destinations—Furama Danang, Ba Na Hills, Phu Quoc, and Samten Hills Dalat—the film blends sweeping visuals with an emotionally charged score that Korean audiences described as “hauntingly beautiful.”
The Awards That Changed Everything
Billboard has followed Asian entertainment trends for decades, but Love in Vietnam marks something unprecedented: India breaking into mainstream Korean recognition through cinema and music at the same time.
Winning Best Film of Asia and Best Director of Asia at SGMA 2025 is more than validation—it’s a cultural shift. It’s a signal that Indian creators are stepping boldly into the global entertainment ecosystem, not as outsiders, but as powerful new voices.
A New Chapter for Indo-Korean Cultural Exchange
The success of Love in Vietnam symbolizes the strengthening creative bridge between India, Vietnam and Korea. With its emotional resonance, international collaboration and award-winning direction, the film has opened doors for more cross-border stories, music exchanges and artistic partnerships.
As the film prepares for its global release, the buzz is only growing louder. With its universal themes and chart-worthy soundtrack, Love in Vietnam stands poised to become not just a cinematic success but a cultural phenomenon.
Rahhat Shah Kazmi didn’t just win awards—
He made history.
And the world is now watching what he creates next.