Entirely shot in India with Bollywood classics: Russian film ‘Persimmon of My Love’ goes viral ahead of April 1 release

A Russian romantic comedy filmed entirely in India is drawing attention ahead of its release. Titled Persimmon of My Love, the film blends Russian storytelling with elements commonly associated with Bollywood, including song-and-dance sequences and stylised visuals. Shot across cities such as Mumbai, Udaipur and Jodhpur, the project highlights India as a filming location and a central setting. Featuring Hindi tracks and references to well-known Bollywood music, the film has gained visibility online as promotional clips circulate. It is being noted as a recent example of Indo-Russian collaboration in cinema.

A Russian film with a Bollywood elements

Directed by Marius Weisberg and starring Mikhail Galustyan, Persimmon of My Love is not a typical foreign production shot in India. Instead, it actively embraces Bollywood’s style, weaving in music, dance, and melodrama as core elements of its narrative.

The inclusion of Hindi songs and choreographed sequences reflects a deliberate attempt to recreate the feel of Indian cinema, rather than merely using India as a scenic backdrop. This hybrid approach gives the film a distinct identity, combining Russian humour with Bollywood spectacle.

Filmed across India’s most iconic locations

The film was shot entirely in India, with key sequences captured in:

• Mumbai
• Udaipur
• Jodhpur

From bustling cityscapes to royal palaces and desert backdrops, the locations play a central role in shaping the film’s visual tone. Unlike many international productions that shoot partial segments in India, this project places the country at the heart of its storytelling.

The film also revives memories of a time when Indian cinema enjoyed immense popularity in Russia.
During the Soviet era, Bollywood films were widely celebrated, with actors like Mithun Chakraborty becoming cultural icons. His film Disco Dancer, along with songs like Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja, left a lasting impact on Russian audiences.

Online reactions: Between nostalgia and parody

• Many users are celebrating it as a cultural crossover, calling it a revival of Indo-Soviet cinematic ties and a win for India’s growing global film influence
• The trailer has sparked meme culture and humour, with jokes about Russian actors doing “full Bollywood masala” and references to Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja
• Some describe it as “Bollywood pro max but made by Russians”, blending admiration with playful trolling
• A section of users finds it over-the-top or “cringe”, criticising exaggerated dance and dramatic expressions
• Some reactions compare its tone to over-the-top South Indian commercial cinema, pointing out heightened drama and stylised action
• Others say it feels like a caricature of Bollywood, with amplified stereotypes and theatrical presentation
• A few users call it “so bad it’s good”, suggesting it may attract attention for its campy execution rather than storytelling