The meeting spotlighted the joint film project Love in Vietnam, a bilateral collaboration with Bali serving as lead producer.

Deputy Minister Phong highlighted India’s dynamic development and close ties with Vietnam, noting that tourism has become a key area of cooperation. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening cultural and tourism exchanges, citing the country’s diverse natural beauty, rich culture, and modern infrastructure as competitive advantages.

He also emphasised Vietnam’s growing appeal as an international filming destination, with increasing interest from foreign directors. The Ministry, he said, is ready to support Bollywood in choosing Vietnam as a filming location by offering policy incentives, streamlining licensing procedures, and facilitating coordination with local authorities.

Love in Vietnam is seen as a valuable opportunity to promote Vietnam’s image through film as part of a broader tourism campaign targeting Indian travellers. The Deputy Minister agreed to support promotional activities surrounding the film’s launch and expand the scale of the "Hello Vietnam" (Namaste Vietnam) Festival, which will include participation from Indian filmmakers, artists, businesses, and wedding planners to intenify cross-cultural exchange.

Director Rahul Bali expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s natural beauty and the hospitality of its people, which left a strong impression on his crew during the filming of Love in Vietnam. He revealed plans for his next film project, Silaa, scheduled to begin production in August with scenes set in iconic caves and natural sites across the country.

With extensive experience in international film programming, including the Namaste Vietnam Festival, Bali emphasised cinema’s role in tourism promotion. He suggested screening a 40-second trailer showcasing Vietnam’s landscapes, culture and people before the main feature in Indian cinemas.

Love in Vietnam, produced on a US$4 million budget, began filming in September 2024 across central and southern Vietnam. It was announced at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and screened at the third Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF 2025). The film is currently in post-production and is set to premiere in both India and Vietnam this summer, featuring actors from both countries. It is expected to be released in more than 1,000 theaters across India, potentially reaching an audience of eight million.

Bali affirmed his interest in continuing long-term collaboration with Vietnamese partners and expressed confidence in Vietnam’s potential as a top Bollywood filming destination.

Indian Film Week bound for Nghe An this week

VOV.VN - The Embassy of India in Vietnam will host an Indian Film Festival in Vinh city, central Nghe An province from July 4 to 6, featuring acclaimed Bollywood films of different genres with Vietnamese subtitles.