Russia to release Bollywood-style film shot in India
The production is the first large-scale joint project in decades, marking a new chapter in cultural cooperation, the film’s creators told RT
For the first time in modern Russian cinema, Russian producers, in partnership with the Indian and international film industry, have completed a major cross-border project: The musical comedy ‘Persimmon of My Love’. The film is set to be released in Russia next week.
The movie was filmed entirely in India, using the infrastructure of Indian cities and the full production capabilities of Bollywood. More than 350 Indian and international crew members worked on set every day, with up to 1,000 people appearing on screen together, in keeping with the visual spectacle traditionally associated with Bollywood, the producers said in a statement.
They noted that the project is especially significant against the backdrop of expanding cultural and economic cooperation between Russia and India, as well as broader collaboration among BRICS partners.
The film was produced by TNT TV and MyWayStudio, with support from the Russian Cinema Fund and the involvement of Indian partners. Well-known Russian film and television actors Demis Karibidis and Mikhail Galustyan star as brothers Ramash and Shamar. The cast also includes popular Russian actors such as Adila Ragimova, Albina Kabalina, Artur Vakha, and Sergey Rost.
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The musical comedy premieres in Moscow on April 1. https://t.co/UIMXQhYJxe pic.twitter.com/bqmSS9JOim
“Russia and India have developed a strong partnership for decades, and culture has always played an important role in that relationship. We started working in India with an international team long before cooperation between our countries became a global trend,” Tina Kandelaki, the director of TNT TV, said. “This film shows how organically the creative traditions of the two countries can merge: Bollywood's emotions and music and the Russian drama school.”
READ MORE: ‘Indians love Russia’ – Bollywood star
Director Marius Weisberg highlighted the professionalism of the Indian crew: “I was astonished by the professionalism and the speed at which the Bollywood teams worked. This is an enormous industry capable of handling the greatest production challenges.”
Filming took place in Mumbai, the hub of the Bollywood industry, and in the historic cities of Udaipur and Jodhpur in Rajasthan, showcasing India’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
Speaking to RT at the film’s premiere, producer Lika Blank said the project is “a great foundation for our colleagues to continue developing this cooperation.”
“As you can see, it’s a beautiful, vibrant and well-made film. And I believe that it’s a leap into a new wave of friendship, both in the realm of culture and between nations,” she added.