International
Russian President asks film folks to gain youth confidence
MUMBAI: In a meeting with prominent Russian culture figures in Moscow, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has told Russian filmmakers to look towards Hollywood in order not to lose the youth audience.
The Russian youth “want to see saviors of the world – modern, strong and good – among our guys,” commented film director Dzhakhongir Faiziyev . He also said that a modern movie production center should be created in Russia to produce films that will be popular with young people.
Agreeing with Faiziyev, Medvedev said, “I have my own family impressions. I see how my 15-year old son watches these kind of movies – with great interest. Everyone wants to be a hero in this age. But these heroes do not speak Russian, and that‘s a fact.”
Russia should produce more high-quality action movies,the President said, “not in order to regain the audience from Hollywood but because this first-rate giant mechanism sometimes does produce rubbish.”
Production of the films should be sponsored mainly by private investment, although the state should also take part, Medvedev observed.
International
Russia-India cinematic spectacle Persimmon of My Love set for grand Moscow debut
Hindi cinema style musical revives Indo-Soviet cinema ties for today
MUMBAI: A new chapter in cross-border storytelling is set to unfold as Persimmon of My Love gears up for its premiere in Moscow on 1 April 2026, marking the first large-scale cinematic collaboration between Russia and India in decades.
Positioned as a modern nod to the cultural exchange that once brought Indian classics to Soviet audiences, the film blends Hindi cinema flair with Russian storytelling, aiming to rekindle a long-standing cinematic friendship.
Directed by Marius Weisberg, the musical comedy follows two brothers navigating a lively world of music, family and romance. The lead roles are played by Demis Karibidis and Mikhail Galustyan, with Karibidis also contributing as a screenwriter.
Shot entirely in India, the production leans heavily into Hindi cinema style spectacle. Filming took place across Mumbai studios and the cities of Udaipur and Jodhpur, whose architecture was used to create the fictional setting of Khurmada. A crew of over 350 worked on the project, with large-scale sequences featuring up to 1,000 extras.
The film also brings Indian creative talent into the mix. Dance sequences are choreographed by Jay Kumar, while music by Zurab Matua features songs in both Hindi and Russian, adding to its cross-cultural appeal.
Backed by TNT channel, MyWayStudio and the Russian Cinema Fund, the project reflects a broader push to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.
With its mix of colour, comedy and cross-border collaboration, Persimmon of My Love is not just a film release but a reminder that cinema, much like music, travels well across borders.
