International
Shoot of Bond film in India stalled
MUMBAI: This is bad news for James Bond fans in India. Those who rejoiced with the news that the forthcoming James Bond film would be shot in India will be sad to know that the shooting of the film in the country has been stalled after the production house couldn‘t get the permission to shoot.
The makers of the film, tentatively titled Bond 23, wanted to shoot high-speed stunts on the Indian Railways. However, they could not get the permissions due to safety issues and as a result director Sam Mendes is now on the search for new locales.
However, the country‘s railways minister Dinesh Trivedi has decided to look into the matter but at the same time “I can‘t jeopardize the safety of passengers,” he said.
The shooting is likely to move to South Africa, where the producers already have permission to shoot some scenes but not until January.
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.
