International
London Critics’ award nominations announced
MUMBAI: The King‘s Speech and Another Year lead the London Critics‘ Circle Awards nominations, with seven apiece.
Speech bagged nominations in top categories, including film of the year, actor of the year and actress of the year while Mike Leigh‘s Year also received top honors, including the British director, British actress and British actor categories.
While The Social Network bagged five nominations including film of the year, actor of the year, British actor in a supporting role, screenwriter and director, The Arbor, the debut British feature from Clio Barnard was nominated for four awards along with True Grit.
Awards contenders Black Swan and The Kids Are All Right each lapped up three nominations.
This year, 197 films received votes from members. The London Film Critics‘ Circle is made up of more than 120 members of U.K. film critics, broadcasters and writers.
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.
