Directed by Omung Kumar, the action romance ‘Silaa’ features Sadia Khateeb in a thrilling, high-octane avatar, with an Indian Lara Croft feel to her character. While the film puts her at the heart of the action, the shoot itself took her into territory that was nothing like a typical film set.
Sadia Khateeb and the crew shoot in Son Doong Cave
According to Variety India, shooting outdoors is routine for films, but this production tested Khateeb and her crew in ways few others do. They filmed in Vietnam’s Son Doong Cave, one of the biggest caves on the planet, living there for four days without phone signal or washrooms. A story of love and revenge, the film is reportedly set across Kashmir and Vietnam. Khateeb appears alongside Harshvardhan Rane, and it arrives in theatres on February 5, 2027.
Sadia Khateeb braves humidity and darkness
Though the isolated Vietnamese location looked spectacular on camera, working deep inside it was a real ordeal. Khateeb had to battle sweltering humidity, pitch-black surroundings and long silences, while picking her way over uneven ground and even doing some rock climbing for the film. With essential facilities hard to reach, the crew relied on thorough planning and strict safety measures to get through the schedule.
Sadia Khateeb’s ‘Silaa’ and the cave as a character
Son Doong is famous for its enormous chambers and underground landscapes, and entry is strictly controlled, with expeditions allowed only under trained supervision. Filming in a setting like this is a huge undertaking. In ‘Silaa’, the cave goes beyond serving as a dramatic backdrop. It lends the story a rugged edge, becoming a raw, adventurous space where romance and action come together.
Sadia Khateeb’s work so far
Professionally, Khateeb debuted in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s ‘Shikara’ (2020). The young actress has since appeared in ‘Raksha Bandhan‘ (2022) and ‘The Diplomat’ (2025).
