In August, Silaa, a romantic action film with a budget of 4 million USD (over 100 billion VND), will begin filming at the world's largest cave, Son Doong, and various other locations around Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park and the Tan Hoa area, such as Tien Cave, Tu Lan Cave, and Chuot Cave.
According to a representative of the Son Doong tour provider, the Indian film crew has signed a contract to film several segments inside the cave. The crew of over 100 people will be in Quang Tri for three weeks, but only 12 will enter Son Doong Cave. Besides Quang Tri, other locations featured in the film include Cao Bang, Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh, and Da Nang. The film is expected to be released in 2026.
Son Doong was discovered in 1990 by Ho Khanh, a jungle man in Phong Nha (formerly Quang Binh province). In 2013, the cave was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's largest natural cave. Son Doong has a total length of about 9 km, a wide arch, and a volume of 38.5 million m3.
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The final section of Son Doong Cave, home to "The Great Wall of Vietnam". Photo: Oxalis |
The final section of Son Doong Cave, home to "The Great Wall of Vietnam". Photo: Oxalis
This is the first time Indian cinema has chosen Vietnam as its primary setting, with 95% of the filming taking place there. The film features famous Bollywood actors, with Harshvardhan Rane and Sadia Khateeb in the lead roles. The film revolves around a love story and a thrilling journey of revenge.
With a population of over 1.4 billion, India is the world's largest film market in terms of the number of films produced annually, about 2,000, with Bollywood accounting for the majority and having a widespread influence. Indians not only watch movies but also travel to the filming locations, seeking out places where their idols have filmed.
At the Asian Film Festival in Da Nang in early July, Love in Vietnam, a collaboration between Vietnam and India, attracted attention. Silaa is expected to further enrich and develop cultural and tourism activities between the two countries.
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Promotional image for the film. Photo: Producer |
Promotional image for the film. Photo: Producer
"If Silaa is successful, and just 1% of the audience comes to Vietnam following the film, we could welcome 3 million Indian visitors each year. And certainly Son Doong - Phong Nha will be the next sought-after destination," said a representative of the Quang Tri Department of Tourism.
Quang Tri, after merging with Quang Binh, now boasts many famous destinations. Besides the cave systems, Quang Tri is also a historical destination with the pristine Con Co Island, the Ho Chi Minh Trail, the Citadel, and unexplored lands.
There are currently 17 direct Vietnam - India flight routes, and Indians speak English well, making it suitable for developing high-end tourism, wedding tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
Tam Anh
