International
Inception bags four VES nominations
MUMBAI: Warner Bros./Legendary Pictures Inception leads the film categories as the Visual Effects Society announced its nominations for its ninth annual VES Awards with four nominations.
But HBO‘s Boardwalk Empire scored one better by dominating with five nominations in the TV categories than Inception.
In the category of outstanding visual effects in a visual-effects driven motion picture, the VFX team behind Inception was nominated alongside the visual effects artistes for Iron Man 2, Tron: Legacy, Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. The feature films nominated for their supporting visual effects are Green Zone, Salt, Hereafter, Black Swan and Robin Hood.
On the TV side, Boardwalk was cited for its supporting effects along with the series The Walking Dead, Human Target, Undercovers and Lost.The effects-driven series that scored nominations are Caprica, No Ordinary Family, V, The Event and Stargate: Universe.
While Christopher Nolan will be honoured at the event with the inaugural VES Visionary Award, Ray Harryhausen will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The awards, which cover 24 categories in film, animation, TV, commercials and videogames, will be presented on 1 February.
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.
