Movies
Carnival cinemas has big expansion plans in South
MUMBAI: After introducing Angamaly in Kerala to the multiplex culture, Carnival Cinemas opened its five- screen multiplex in Dindigul (nearly 50 km away from Madurai) on Thursday kick- starting its multiplex business in Tamil Nadu.
Carnival Cinemas, a part of a Mumbai-based business group claims to lead south Indian cinema exhibition by 2014, with a holding of 87 screens. Considering the number of film releases in Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil Carnival Cinemas is focused to spread its roots in the smaller cities in south.
Talking about the expansion plans Carnival Group chairman Shrikant Bhasi said, “We have signed 50 screens in 11 districts of Kerala. By end of 2014 Carnival Cinemas will become the largest holder of screens in Kerala.”
Apart from this it has also signed 20 screens which would be operational in TN in the next six months and about 17 screens in Karnataka with further expansion plans in Andhra Pradesh bringing world class movie experience to most of the towns in the southern states.
Further, about 50 screens are slated to be opened in Madhya Pradesh. Carnival Cinemas plans to become a holder of 300 screens across India by 2018 and be a big player in the multiplex business segment in the country. It has adopted both organic and inorganic mode of expansion to speed up the growth.
Currently, its multiplex in Angamaly is the hottest entertainment destination for people from all walks of life, across a wide age group and user profile. It features regional, national and international movies.
“Carnival Cinemas tapped the secondary market and the tier 2 and tier 3 cities in south at the time when no one dared to explore these markets or to provide metropolitan cinema experience to the audiences there,” said Bhasi adding that they had also pioneered in playing National Anthem Jana Gana Mana in its theatres in Kerala and the idea was later adopted by several others.
With a planned tie- up with a firm from Hollywood in Los Angeles, Carnival Cinemas would bring updated technology available in the world.
“Our aim is to provide quality movie watching experience to the movie goers of smaller cities and town in the country. Carnival group with its own chain of food court and recreation facilities is aiming at wholesome family entertainment zones in most of the places where it sets up multiplexes,” added Bhasi who is confident about ruling the secondary market in the southern states.
International
Russia-India cinematic spectacle Persimmon of My Love set for grand Moscow debut
Hindi cinema style musical revives Indo-Soviet cinema ties for today
MUMBAI: A new chapter in cross-border storytelling is set to unfold as Persimmon of My Love gears up for its premiere in Moscow on 1 April 2026, marking the first large-scale cinematic collaboration between Russia and India in decades.
Positioned as a modern nod to the cultural exchange that once brought Indian classics to Soviet audiences, the film blends Hindi cinema flair with Russian storytelling, aiming to rekindle a long-standing cinematic friendship.
Directed by Marius Weisberg, the musical comedy follows two brothers navigating a lively world of music, family and romance. The lead roles are played by Demis Karibidis and Mikhail Galustyan, with Karibidis also contributing as a screenwriter.
Shot entirely in India, the production leans heavily into Hindi cinema style spectacle. Filming took place across Mumbai studios and the cities of Udaipur and Jodhpur, whose architecture was used to create the fictional setting of Khurmada. A crew of over 350 worked on the project, with large-scale sequences featuring up to 1,000 extras.
The film also brings Indian creative talent into the mix. Dance sequences are choreographed by Jay Kumar, while music by Zurab Matua features songs in both Hindi and Russian, adding to its cross-cultural appeal.
Backed by TNT channel, MyWayStudio and the Russian Cinema Fund, the project reflects a broader push to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.
With its mix of colour, comedy and cross-border collaboration, Persimmon of My Love is not just a film release but a reminder that cinema, much like music, travels well across borders.
