International
BBC’s Jamie Laurenson to head See-Saw Films
MUMBAI: See-Saw Films, the producer of The King’s Speech and Steve McQueen film Shame, has hired former BBC Films executive Jamie Laurenson to spearhead its move into TV.
Laurenson, who takes charge in July, will be responsible for running development and overseeing all See-Saw Films’ television productions.
“We are excited by his decision to focus solely on developing and growing our TV business,” Company founders Iain Canning and Emile Sherman said in a statement.
“Increasingly there appears to be no distinction between film and television talent and hiring Jamie puts us in the best position to take advantage of that.”
Laurenson added, “I have been very lucky to work with a host of immensely talented people whilst at BBC Films and am very grateful for all I’ve learned here from colleagues and collaborators. I’m really looking forward to the new challenge and to continuing a strong relationship with the BBC.”
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.
