International
Chinese film industry romps in $2 bn in 2011
MUMBAI: The Chinese film industry’s performance in the bygone year was good when it raked in $ 2.07 billion (13.1 billion yuan) at the box office, an increase of 28.93 per cent from that of 2010.
Film studios in China produced 791 films in various genres taking in $1.11 billion (7.03 billion yuan) at the box office, accounting for 53.6 per cent of total ticket sales.
Most small-budget films didn‘t even hit the silver screens. The country added 803 cinemas in 2011 at a daily average of 8.3 new
screens.
Domestic production of blockbusters has become more mature in the country with remarkable improvements in quality. For example there was The Flowers of War, directed by Zhang Yimou. The film has already grossed over $88.69 million (560 million yuan) in less than a month after its release.
Notably, various blockbusters continued using the old formula: Ancient Chinese legend, big-name movie stars, Kung Fu elements and grand battle scenes. Films like It‘s Love, Mural, The Lost Bladesman and White Vengeance all passed the $23.7 million (150 million yuan) mark at the box office.
On the negative side, some critically acclaimed films like Kuiba, The Piano in a Factory and Return Ticket did poorly at the box office. Though the films in mention had won praises and even awards, many filmgoers were not even aware of them due to poor marketing.
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.
