International
MPAA pulls out films from Indonesia
MUMBAI: Reaction to sudden increases in tax, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has withdrawn Hollywood films from the Indonesian market. Indonesia‘s president has directed his culture and tourism minister to act.
It is said that in the past, the MPAA paid only $20 per meter of film as against the increase to $43 a meter. Added was 24 per cent import duty tax and an income tax of 10-15 per cent of profits.
Said Indonesian Minister of Culture and Tourism Jero Wacik, “There‘s a complaint from the film industry, asking why the tax was so high… they ask me how the high tax can encourage the local film industry.”
However the minister adds by saying, “If necessary I will reduce the tax, but the owners of movie theaters or the film importer has a moral responsibility to build more cinemas. If we subtract the tax they should build more cinemas and add more screens. So there are more jobs for locals.”
However, some Indonesians are unhappy with the changes.
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.
