International
Australian HC rejects studios’ allegations on infringement
MUMBAI: The Australian High Court has dismissed allegations of a group of international and Australian studios who said that Perth-based iiNet authorised the infringement of their copyright when its customers downloaded movies and television programs.
The entertainment industry claimed that iiNet, Australia‘s third-largest ISP, should be punished for illegal video downloads made by its customers. In 2010, Australia‘s Federal Court said companies like iiNet could not be held accountable for Internet piracy. The case put forward by thirty four American and Australian film, television and music companies including Warner Bros, Disney and 20th Century Fox was seen as an ambitious attempt to force Internet service providers to act against piracy.
But the Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) insisted that the judgment set a dangerous precedent that allowed ISPs to ignore the widespread plundering of online material. Though its appeal has been thrown out by Australia‘s highest court but its managing director Neil Gane feels that tougher anti-piracy laws will follow soon.
“We are disappointed by today‘s decision. You know the judges in the High Court have, you know, unanimously recognized that legislative change is now required to deal with the widespread copyright infringements that are occurring across Australian networks,” Gane has reportedly said.
The global film and television industry says it will now pursue other avenues including targeting software developers who help internet users watch illegally downloaded videos.
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.
