International
New territories opening up for Indian content
HONG KONG: The Indian presence at Filmart has largely been on the distributor side. A number of small Indian companies essentially into selling of film, video and TV rights across cable and terrestrial platforms (both pay and FTA) were advertising their wares. One did not see many big blockbuster Bollywood titles however, but more of the small to mid-level budget films.
And it is not just in the “traditional” markets of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore (in that order) that these companies are trying to push their content. Aside from China and Korea, also on the radar are “virgin” territories like Cambodia and Vietnam.
The Chinese interest is more on the film side than TV content. Predictably Indian action films have no takers (who in India can compete with a John Woo, Andy Lau or the numerous Kung Fu film directors anyway). Romantic tearjerkers (the higher the hankie quotient the better) are what does it for the Chinese as far as India is concerned. And they are quite taken up with the song and dance routines, which are unique to Indian cinema.
Korea, on the other hand is looking at the issue differently. They are hoping to sell their content to India in fact. In fact a Korean delegation is planning to organise an event in Delhi in May where they will be showcasing their content, particularly television, which is quite a rage in these parts.
While Indiantelevision.com remains skeptical of Korean stories (soaps and dramas) finding acceptance to Indians who only relate to Chinese action movies, there is one avenue that might interest Indian entertainment channels. That is in the scripts that Korean television dramas offer. If South American stories are the current flavour with programming honchos in India, those looking to explore new ideas might find it worth their while to look east as well.
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.
