International
Grossing $7.11 mn, Intouchables becomes top grossing foreign language film of the year
MUMBAI: The French comedy The Intouchables has grossed $7.11 million in the US and Canada to become the top grossing foreign-language film of the year, surpassing the $7.09 million earned by A Separation.
The Weinstein Co., which is distributing the film in North America, touted the milestone on Tuesday as it prepares to expand Intouchables nationwide on 27 July. Directed by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano, Intouchables opened in the US over Memorial Day weekend in four theaters in New York and Los Angeles. It‘s currently playing at 91 locations.
“The best part about the film‘s success is the fact that a foreign language film is getting its fair turn in the spotlight in this industry. It is movies like this that help us continue to bring smart, entertaining and well-written films that break the mold to theaters everywhere,” TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein has reportedly said.
At the worldwide box-office, the film grossed a massive $365.1 million, shattering records and becoming the top independent title of the year.
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.
