International
South Korea sweeps Asian Film awards
MUMBAI: The fifth edition of the Asian Film awards saw South Korean shine with it winning best director, best screenplay, best actor, best supporting actress and best editing awards.
The awards held in conjunction with the Hong Kong International Film Festival, featured a tough competition among some of the most renowned Asian cineastes, but it was marked by many absences in the aftermath of the disastrous earthquakes in Japan, and ovations were respectful rather than enthusiastic.
Thailand’s Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives won the best film award while Lee Chang-dong won prizes for both best director and screenplay. Ha Jung-woo won best actor award for his role in the Korean thriller, Yellow Sea.
Kim Dong-ho, former director of the Busan International Film Festival (formerly PIFF), was honoured with Outstanding Contribution to Asian Cinema award. Three esteemed directors ? Lee, China’s Jia Zhangke and the Philippines’ Brillante Mendoza presented the golden trophy to Kim.
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.
