India-Russia joint film production projects on cards to consolidate cultural bonds

India and Russia & erstwhile Soviet Union enjoy decades old cultural and historical partnership. During the Soviet Union, Indian cinema enjoyed nationwide love and drew audiences of many millions across the Soviet Union. Several joint production projects in contemporary times are in pipeline.

“These films revealed India to us — not as some distant, exotic

land, but as a country close in spirit, with profound traditions and vivid characters. In India, conversely, Soviet cinema was well-known and beloved, seen as a reflection of rich Russian culture. This mutual interest was built over decades and


has become a solid foundation for our dialogue today,” Boris Khanchalyan, Deputy CEO of Gazprom-Media Holding JSC told ET.

“Secondly, we see that India is one of the world's most dynamic creative economies. This facilitates ideal conditions for the co-production of content that will appeal to audiences in both countries and has the potential to reach global markets. And

finally, the relationship between our nations has reached the level of a strategic partnership. This means there is a clear understanding on both sides that joint projects in culture and media are necessary and important. And when there is

support at the governmental level, it becomes much more comfortable and reliable for creative industries and media businesses to operate,” Khanchalyan said.

The film "A little king of my love," shot entirely in India, is soon to be released in Russian theatres This is the first film by Gazprom-Media Holding to be shot entirely in India, with the involvement of local professionals.

“We worked across three cities: Mumbai, Udaipur, and Jodhpur, where sets were specially constructed for the fictional universe of Khurmada. The production involved actors and specialists from Russia, India, China, Colombia, and the United States. It was fundamentally important for us that the lead roles were played by stars known and loved by millions in Russia. Their participation in a project filmed entirely in India sends a powerful message to the Russian audience: the locations, the services, and the caliber of Indian professionals make it possible to realize truly large-scale, high-budget projects.”

“Several feature films are in development as co-productions with Indian partners. Two of them we have officially announced. The first is a feature film about the outstanding Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, whose destiny is closely

linked to India, and who played a significant role in reviving interest in Indian dance at the beginning of the 20th century,” Khanchalyan said, adding, “The second is a film about the artist and philosopher Nicholas Roerich, who spent many years in India and whose legacy is held in deep respect here.

Moreover, for the project on Roerich, we plan to work with the renowned Indian director Nila Madhab Panda. Beyond this, two comedy series with filming in India are also in development. They will likewise introduce Russian audiences to the culture and everyday life of the country. Nila Madhab Panda is a director with a deep understanding of Indian cinema and culture, and his participation is fundamentally important to us. As for actors, we are open to dialogue.

If a project requires an Indian flavor, Indian characters, it is logical that they should be portrayed by Indian artists. This is a matter of authenticity and respect for the audience.”