International
Lynn Shelton’s ‘Humpday’ in theatres
MUMBAI: Lyn Shelton‘s Sundance smash Humpday released last weekend after generating strong early notices for its compelling story.
Magnolia picked up the film shortly after its world premiere screening and it‘s been hopping across the globe since then.
Humpday has since gone to numerous festivals and events including Cannes, Edinburgh, Provincetown, Seattle, Los Angeles, and recently Rooftop Films in New York City, before settling down into the upcoming theatrical release.
It was heard that Shelton‘s idea for Humpday emerged from a conversation she had with fellow filmmaker Joe Swanberg who was apparently gushing about some of the gay films he‘d seen at Seattle‘s Hump fest.
Similarly in Humpday, the two guys (filmmaker and actors Duplass and Leonard) decide to shoot and enter their straight-gay porn film in the Seattle festival. As a result of the experience, Sheldon naturally, has a lot to say about making quality films that don‘t break the bank.
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.
