International
Taiwanese film folks thank cinegoers
MUMBAI: Representatives of the Taiwanese film industry have thanked film fans for choosing to watch legitimate movies at the cinema, or at home with DVDs on TV or online through a new video trailer campaign launched on 1 August.
Film director Doze Niu, who made the film Monga appealed to people to do the right thing when he said, “Please support legitimate movies, not only for the sake of protecting the jobs of those who work in the movie industry, but also for the purpose of being able to enjoy many more touching movies.”
The video trailer also featured messages from a range of people who work in the Taiwanese film industry including cinema staff and veteran cinema projector operator, A-Kun and Motion Picture Association president and managing director Asia-Pacific Mike Ellis. Said Ellis, “This is a very worthwhile initiative which shows the industry‘s genuine appreciation for movie fans who make a choice to watch legitimate content.
Just by making that choice they are voting for a healthy film industry and that is beneficial to everyone: it’s good for protecting jobs in the film industry, including filmmakers and cinema staff, and it stimulates investment in more movies for movie fans to enjoy. I look forward to seeing more positive initiatives such as this in the future.”
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.
