International
Jafar Panahi sentenced for six years
MUMBAI: The Iranian government has sentenced filmmaker Jafar Panahi to six years imprisonment for standing in opposition to the ruling system. In addition, the filmmaker was banned from making films or traveling abroad for 20 years.
49 year old Panahi supported Mir Hossein Mousavi in last June‘s contested presidential election against incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
“This is a catastrophe for Iran‘s cinema,” Professor Hamid Dabashi of Columbia University told in a story about the sentencing. He goes on to say that the sentencing is a blow to the entire arts community in Iran.
“By the act, Iran has sent a clear message that they don‘t have any tolerance and can‘t bear arts, philosophy or anything like that. This is a sentence against the whole culture of Iran. They want the artists to sit in their houses and stop creating art. This is a catastrophe for a whole nation, Dabashi said.”
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.
