International
Avatar picks up 10 trophies at Saturn Awards
MUMBAI: James Cameron‘s Avatar picked up 10 awards at the recently held 36th annual Saturn Awards in Los Angeles including the best science fiction film and best actor and actress awards for Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana.
Two more awards came Cameron way in the form of best writer and director. during the ceremony, presented by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films at the Castaway restaurant in Burbank.
Other best film winners included Watchmen, Drag Me to Hell, Monsters vs. Aliens, District 9 and Inglourious Basterds.
While Irvin Kershner, the director of Star Was: The Empire Strikes Back was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, the writing-producing team of Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman received the George Pal Memorial Award for their work in TV and film.
Lauren Shuler Donner was given the Producers Showcase award for her work in X-Men.
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.
