Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan goes back to Russia after Pathaan, in line with India's diplomatic relations

In the world reshaped by the Crimean annexation (2014) and the war in Ukraine (2020), where the global power dynamics underwent significant changes, Russia finds itself increasingly cornered by major global players.

However, one lesser-discussed facet of this development these days is India's steadfast engagement with Russia, in terms of soft power.

Much like the present-day Indo-Russian diplomatic relations, inclining India's energy and defence needs, its film industry, including Bollywood, has not abandoned Russia and they continue to nurture a unique connection.

The latest in the series of Bollywood movies with Russia featuring prominently is Shah Rukh Khan's new release, Jawan.

Russia and post-comeback SRK

• With Shah Rukh Khan making his comeback in 2023 after a five-year gap, both of his films, Pathaan (released in January 2023) and Jawan (released in September 2023), have a segment shot in Russia or a reference to it. The Russian-dubbed version of Pathaan managed to gross $52,000 over the first weekend.
• In Pathaan, leads Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh Khan and John Abraham travel to Russia to shoot quite a bit of the movie, including the high-octane motorcycle chase scene shot on the frozen Lake Baikal, which was received well.
• This made it the first Indian film to be shot on Siberia's Lake Baikal, the world's deepest lake and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• The film also made a reference to the fictional KOCR agency, an equivalent of the KGB (Russian intelligence agency).
• Additionally, the character Nandini, played by Dimple Kapadia, even mentions Russia as their most significant ally.
• After the film's Russia release, Shah Rukh Khan even put out a video message to his Russian fans, along with massive posters and billboards featuring the film displayed across key landmarks in Moscow.

Jawan

• This weekend's hot release, Jawan, similarly has a Russian reference, albeit not as prominent as in Pathaan.
• The antagonist, Kali Gaikwad, played by Vijay Setupathi, who happens to be the 'world's fourth-largest arms dealer', has to travel to Russia for a meeting with another Bane-like bad boy, who was to fund the former's oligarchic ambitions.
• While the arms dealer's visit to Russia does not go well for him, it underscored the fact that Russia still remains a major arms supplier for India, in spite of India's efforts to diversify its arms imports.

A place for Bollywood

• Allu Arjun's Pushpa: The Rise in 2021 resonated with Russian audiences and ended up getting the largest-ever opening for an Indian film in Russia.
• It is also noteworthy that Russians, battered by sanctions and isolations, have stuck a new chord with India.
• With Western film limited releases now, Indian films are getting more screens and audiences.

• Post the start of the country's economic downturn, it has also become cheaper to shoot in Russia with the Rouble depreciating, compared to other European destinations having similar Euro-tundra landscapes and architecture.
• The Russian government is also reportedly providing a 10 per cent rebate on shooting charges, of late.
• Since August 2023, Russia has also made it easier for Indians to visit the country, with facilitating e-visas.

The love affair between Russia and Indian cinema dates back to the iconic Awaara in 1951 and Seeta Aur Geeta in 1972, both of which left a lasting impact on viewers during the USSR days. However, the disruption in the cinematic connection after the breakup of the Soviet Union in the 1990s seems to be calming down a bit, with Bollywood seeking out wilder locales in Russia.