Russia Rekindles Love for Bollywood with 'Indian Summer' Film Week

To ignite the everlasting charm of Bollywood among the Russian audience, the Indian Embassy in Russia in collaboration with Indian Films and SITA organized the 'Indian Summer' Film Week.

The festival, set to take place from June 3rd to 9th, 2024, at the renowned Ussuri Cinema in Vladivostok, will showcase a diverse range of Indian films, including award-winning films, popular blockbusters, and independent productions.

"Russia has a strong fan following for Indian cinema, daily soaps, and web series. Reason being, the country's audiences appreciate and have a liking for strong family values, emotional storylines, spectacular dance and music sequences, and larger-than-life characters in Indian entertainment," Dasha Kotwani, director of the Indian Film Festival in Russia, and Indian National Cultural Centre SITA told Sputnik India.

During the film festival, several blockbuster hit movies will be screened every evening including 'RRR', 'Vikram', 'Pathaan', 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', 'Bahubali: The Beginning', and 'Bahubali 2: The Conclusion'.

"Family dramas, romantic comedies, action films, and historical epics have gained particular attention among the Russian audience," she said.

Indian Cinema To Take Over Russia Market?

The ban on Hollywood movies in Russia due to sanctions from the West amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict has opened a plethora of opportunities for Indian filmmakers and producers to reignite the same craze for Bollywood and Indian cinema which existed since the Soviet era.

"This popularity has continued to grow in recent years as we continue to invite Indian filmmakers to shoot in Russia and offer financial incentives, promote Indian films through film festivals and cultural events, and collaborate with Indian production companies to develop and produce joint projects," Kotwani highlighted.

In the past, several films have been shot in the scenic backdrop of Russia. Be it Bollywood superstars Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif starrer 'Tiger 3'; Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone starrer 'Pathaan', South idol Vikram's Tamil movie 'Cobra', Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn's 'Runway 34' and many others.

"The sudden rise in the shooting of Indian films in Russia is due to several factors, including the closure of European countries due to COVID-19, the cost-effectiveness of shooting, and the availability of diverse and scenic locations in the country," Kotwani explained.

The trend is set to grow significantly in Russia due to the increasing popularity of Indian web series dubbed in Russian language, the advancements in cinematic technologies, and the rising demand for co-productions between both countries.

"These factors are poised to enhance collaborations between Indian and Russian producers and filmmakers. Both nations rich cinematic heritage and liking have transcended language and cultural barriers, and this love affair shows no signs of fading away," Kotwani underscored.

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