International
Worldwide BO rises, courtesy Chinese filmgoers
MUMBAI: The growth of film markets in Asia has helped lift total worldwide box-office revenues to $31.8 billion in 2010, a 13 per cent increase on that recorded 2009, according to a report from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).
Rising occupancy in China, where the box-office soared by 40 per cent, has mainly caused the box-office to soar.
On the other hand, North American box-office revenues were flat at $10.6bn that accounts to about a third of the global total. It is noted that fewer people in North America are going to cinemas, with admissions falling 5 per cent in 2010 to 1.3bn. Revenues have been sustained by higher ticket prices, with cinema chains able to charge a premium for 3D movies.
It is being said that without the revenues from 3D films that doubled there in 2010 to $2.2bn, China‘s share would have fallen. There were 25 3D films released in 2010, up from 20 released last year.
This year, the number is likely to increase, with studios hoping to offset declining admissions in North America with movies that cost more to watch.
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.
