International
Hollywood happy of Canadian govt.’s move
MUMBAI: The Canadian government‘s reintroduction of the copyright reform legislation to protect against digital piracy has been welcomed by major Hollywood studios.
The new rules also proposes to bar anyone from making, importing or selling devices that can break digital locks.
The proposed legislation also seeks to distinguish between personal and commercial use of recorded TV, radio and online content by Canadians.
"We support the government‘s commitment to give copyright owners the tools they need to combat online content theft, and promote creativity, innovation and legitimate business models," Wendy Noss, executive director of the Motion Picture Association of Canada, Hollywood‘s point-person in Canada, has been quoted to have said.
Also lining up to applaud the Canadian government‘s move were Canadian exhibitors, major US music labels and video game developers.
At the same time, Canadian ISPs that fail to retain subscriber traffic records or to forward notices to suspected pirates will be liable for civil damages if Bill C-11 passes through Parliament into law.
Ottawa‘s latest proposed copyright reform legislation very much falls in line with U.S.-style protections against piracy. Bill C-11, for example, proposes to bar Canadians from picking a digital lock on music, film or any entertainment product protected from duplication.
This move is a departure from a Canadian legal tradition that stopped short of pursuing consumers that use circumvention devices to access or copy content as Ottawa looked to balance the interests of consumers and copyright holders.
The Bill will now move through the committee stage of Parliament in Ottawa and undergo likely amendments, before a vote is taken on whether to pass the legislation into law, likely by the end of the year.
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.
