International
Christopher Plummer to star in Muhammed Ali biopic
MUMBAI: Christopher Plummer is set to star in HBO Films‘ Muhammad Ali‘s Greatest Fight to be directed by Stephen Frears.
The veteran, in his first deal since being nominated for an Oscar for his work in Beginners, will portray Supreme Court Associate Justice John Marshall Harlan II.
Also signed for the film is Frank Langella who received an Oscar nomination for his performance in Frost/Nixon. He also starred in Robot and Frank, one of the highlights of the recent Sundance Film Festival. Langella will play the role of Chief Justice Warren Burger.
Ali was drafted into the Army in 1966 but declined to serve, citing his belief that the war was against the teachings of the Koran. When he appeared at an armed services induction in 1967 and refused to step forward when his name was called, he was arrested.
Shawn Slovo wrote the script. Frank Doelger, Tracey Scoffield, Jonathan Cameron and Frears are exec producing the movie, which is still searching for its Ali.
Plummer can currently be seen in The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo.
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.
