International
Delhi HC allows Mehengai song in its original form
NEW DELHI: Prakash Jha‘s film Chakravyuh will release this Friday with the song on ‘Mehengai‘ (inflation) in its original form following the reversal of a single judge order by a division bench of the Delhi High Court.
The single judge Kailash Gambhir had on 15 October restrained the filmmaker and others from playing the song as he felt the use of the word Bata in the song violated the shoe brand‘s credibility and trademark.
The film Chakravyuh is already showing its song Mehngaai on YouTube and other media. The Bata Company had, when asking the court to stay its screening, broadcast and advertising, demanded removal of its brand name from the song or withdrawal of the entire song from the film.
A bench comprising Justices Pradeep Nandrajog and Manmohan Singh in an interim order said, “there is nothing defamatory in the word ‘Bata‘ and (its use in the song) is only referential, more symbolic and does not refer to particular activity of a person.”
The court held that issues related to freedom of expression are quite complex and posted the matter for November for further hearing.
After winning a legal battle in Kolkata against the use of the word Birla, this is Jha‘s second win against the shoe major.
The Birla family has also demanded removal of the word Birla from the song. Appearing on behalf of Birla, the law firm Khaitan & Co had on 3 October sent a legal notice to the film director saying “The Birlas are deeply hurt, and have strong reservations against the use of their name in such a derogatory manner in the song.”
The song written by T M Turaz also names the Ambanis and the Tatas. The film‘s promo, however, carries a disclaimer saying “the names used in the song are symbolic and do not intend to harm or disrespect any brand or individual”, which is in conformity with the directions of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the petitioner had contended.
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.
