International
‘My Melbourne’ hits home, Indian directors put Aussie city on silver screen
MUMBAI: Ever felt the urge to pack your bags for Melbourne, but your wallet disagreed violently? Relax, India’s finest filmmakers are bringing the Aussie charm straight to you. Forget about flight costs and pesky visas—My Melbourne is your cinematic passport, presenting a city bursting with diversity, cricket fever, and more multicultural spice than your favourite curry.
Premiering in Australia and New Zealand on 6 March 2025 and released in India on 14 March, My Melbourne is co-presented by Visit Victoria and is an anthology of four unique stories. Directed by India’s film powerhouses—Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Onir, and Rima Das—the film explores identity, belonging, and the spirit of multicultural Melbourne through true-to-life narratives.
Each director puts their signature spin on stories woven around diversity’s four pillars: sexuality, gender, disability, and race. Curious yet? Let’s dive into these captivating tales:
In Nandini, directed by Onir, Indraneel, a queer Indian man, reunites with his estranged father in Melbourne for a ceremonial ritual. Expect some father-son fireworks, raw emotions, and maybe a box of tissues.
Jules, directed by Arif Ali under the creative guidance of Imtiaz Ali, follows Sakshi, a newly married woman bonding with Jules, a homeless local. Who knew friendship could bloom amid Melbourne’s streets, coffee shops, and unpredictable weather?
Rima Das directs Emma, a heartfelt story of a talented deaf dancer overcoming discrimination and self-doubt after an inspiring meeting with another deaf dancer. Talk about dancing to your own rhythm!
And then there’s Setara, a real-life epic directed by Kabir Khan, about a courageous 15-year-old Afghan girl rebuilding her life in Melbourne after fleeing the Taliban. Cricket and resilience? Move over, Hollywood superheroes.
“Through this cinematic journey, explore the uniqueness of Melbourne that makes it every bit different. Enjoy Melbourne through this creative lens that showcases art, culture, food, sport, entertainment and hidden laneways. Don’t miss this colourful celebration of unity and diversity!” says the film’s promotional team. A bit dramatic? Maybe. But hey, it’s cinema!
So, why not grab some popcorn and experience Melbourne’s captivating diversity right from your couch? Beats battling jetlag any day.
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.
