International
Books to read before they hit Indian theatres in 2014
MUMBAI: This is the final review in a 10-part series by Indiantelevision.com on the books that are being adapted into Hollywood movies in the year 2014.
The Fault in Our Stars – John Green
“You gave me forever in numbered days, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am for that.”
The Fault in Our Stars follows Hazel Grace Lancaster, who diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumors in her lungs… for now. Two years post the medical miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time, Hazel lives strapped to an oxygen tank, the tumors sparsely kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.
Enter Augustus “Gus” Waters. A match made at Cancer Kid Support Group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and interested in Hazel, something that has taken Hazel completely by surprise. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-think how the stereotypical vows taken at wedding of sickness and health, life and death, will completely rewrite her story.
 |
“Sometimes you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read that book.” When Hazel Grace Lancaster said that, millions of readers agreed with her hook line and sinker. What with a raking of 4.50/5 of 5,29,985 ratings on Goodreads and Booklist calling it Green’s best and most ambitious novel to date, The Fault in Our Stars is known to stand out for its “ironic sense of humour, melancholic realism and quirky philosophy which strikes an endearing chord with the readers”.
In January 2012, Fox 2000, a division of 20th Century Fox, optioned the rights to adapt the novel into a feature film. The film stars Golden Globe Award nominee Shailene Woodley (The Descendents, The Secret Life of an American Teenager) as Hazel Grace Lancaster, while newcomer Ansel Elgort (Carrie, Divergent) stars as Augustus Waters sparking an interesting chemistry between the two characters. Golden Globe Award winner Laura Dern (Enlightened), Scream Award nominee Sam Trammel (True Blood) and Academy Award nominee Willem Dafoe (Spiderman) round up the cast in the film.
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.
