International
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne next month to feature gems of Indian cinema
MUMBAI: The 2013 Festival programme of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne has been launched here by Australian Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher and actor Vidya Balan, ambassador of the Festival.
“The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is a wonderful demonstration of our growing cultural links and shows the creativity and innovations that Melbourne and Mumbai are both famous for.” Ms Asher said.
Speaking at the event, Balan said she was delighted to be the ambassador for such a vibrant and exciting festival showcasing the best that Indian Cinema has to offer. “Kolkata is my first home and Melbourne is like a second home to me and I look forward to being back, and watch some interesting cinema. I certainly do not want to miss Raja Harishchandra (1913) on the big screen.”
On a lighter note, she pointed out that she would be more than willing to accept if she were to be made lifetime Ambassador for the festival in Melbourne. “This would provide me even more opportunities to visit Melbourne,” the actress quipped.
To be held in April 2013, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will showcase the diversity of Indian film culture to Victorian audiences through some choice films.
The industry event also remembered legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra, with the Minister announcing that the Festival will pay a rich tribute to the veteran filmmaker next year.
“Mr Chopra had a deep relationship with Victoria as he was a Patron of the Festival and he shot two of his blockbusters — Salaam Namaste and Chak De India – in Victoria. The Festival is honoured to be showcasing Mr Chopra’s masterpieces,” Ms Asher added.
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.
