International
Odisha born producer to make Hollywood debut
MUMBAI: Odisha born US based producer – writer Solila Parida is making Hollywood debut with film ‘Desires of the Heart‘ which deals with reincarnation and love between two people living world apart.
The film is set against a historical backdrop of the custom of ‘Sati‘ and the movie showcases love between two Indians. It is a blend of romance and mystery informed Parida. Desires of Heart is directed by James Kicklighter (Followed, The Car Wash, Final Acts).
Hollywood actors Val Lauren and Alicia Minshew along with the veteran Bollywood actor Gulshan Grover and National Award winning actor Harsh Mayar feature in lead roles, another Odishan filmmaker Jitendra Mishra, the associate/executive producer of the critically acclaimed film ‘I am Kalam‘ is the associate producer of ‘Desires of the Heart‘.
The whole shooting schedule spanning over five weeks, production of the movie is completed recently. The first part of the movie is shot in Savannah, Georgia (USA) while the second part is shot in Bikaner, Rajasthan (India). The producer‘s plan is to send the film to the Berlin film festival (EFM) in February and going for a worldwide release in April 2013.
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.
