This August, the Bollywood action-romance feature Silaa, with a production budget of approximately USD 4 million, will begin filming across several scenic locations in Vietnam, including the world-renowned Son Doong Cave in Quang Tri.

Directed by renowned Indian filmmaker and television host Omung Kumar Bhandula, Silaa will showcase stunning landscapes across Quang Tri, Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh, and Da Nang. Among the highlights is Son Doong - the world’s largest natural cave, along with other iconic sites within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and the Tan Hoa region.

The film stars acclaimed Indian actors Sadia Khateeb and Harshvardhan Rane in lead roles. The production team is scheduled to film in Quang Tri for three weeks.

Nguyen Chau A, CEO of Oxalis - the company that manages exploration tours to Son Doong - confirmed that the Silaa production team has signed a contract to shoot several segments inside the cave. Of the 100-member crew, only 12 will enter Son Doong, while other scenes will be filmed in Hang Tien, Tu Lan, and Hang Chuot, all located in the Tan Hoa area.

This marks the first time an Indian feature film will use Vietnam as its main setting, with about 95% of scenes shot on location. Silaa is expected to be released in 2026 with global distribution in mind.

Earlier, the Vietnam-India collaborative film Love in Vietnam debuted at the Asian Film Festival held in Da Nang from late June to early July. Directed and written by Rahhat Shah Kazmi and produced by Captain Rahul Bali, the film tells the story of an Indian man who falls in love with a Vietnamese woman while exploring the country and its cultural richness.

Speaking at a July 15 meeting with Rahul Bali, CEO of Innovations India and producer of Love in Vietnam, Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh emphasized the importance of such partnerships.

"This is a valuable opportunity to widely promote the beauty and tourism brand of Vietnam to Indian audiences and the global community through cinema," he stated, noting that Vietnam is actively expanding tourism promotion efforts in India.

Following the success of Love in Vietnam, Silaa is anticipated to captivate Bollywood fans and global travelers with its cinematic portrayal of Vietnam’s pristine and majestic natural wonders.

PV