International
Jackie Chan retires as action star
MUMBAI: Actor director Jackie Chan has announced his retirement as an action star. He made the announcement at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival saying that he is too “old for stunts”.
The 58-year-old actor, who was last seen as a martial arts teacher in Karate Kid, said he felt really tired. The actor was also quoted as saying that the world has become “too violent” and that he hates “violence”.
The Rush Hour actor is at the festival to promote his 100th film Chinese Zodiac. Chinese Zodiac will be his last outing as an action hero. Chinese Zodiac, which is the third in Jackie Chan‘s Armour of God series, is likely to release in December this year.
The actor, however, will continue appearing in films outside the action genre and said he wants to be the Asian Robert De Niro and not just an action star.
Jackie Chan began his career as a stuntman in the Bruce Lee films Fist of Fury and Enter the Dragon. His first major break was the 1978 film Snake in the Eagle‘s Shadow. Jackie Chan
introduced the comedic kung fu genre in movies with his blend of martial arts, improvisation and humour.
He has successfully crossed over to Hollywood with Shanghai Knights, Shanghai Noon and the Rush Hour series.
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.
