International
Fox prepones This Means War release
MUMBAI: Twentieth Century Fox has preponed the release of McG‘s This Means War. The film, that was to open on February 17 will now open on February 13 hoping to woo couples.
It is said that the studio decided to move up the release by three days after strong test screenings. “Starting Valentine‘s Day, we‘re making war, not love. We‘re armed and ready with the perfect movie. This is a picture that has it all — humor, charm, wit and action — and it plays through the roof,” Fox president of distribution Bruce Snyder has been quoted to have said.
In the film starring Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy, Pine and Hardy portray the world‘s deadliest CIA operatives, as well as inseparable partners and best friends until they fall for the same woman (Witherspoon) and use their incomparable skills against each other.
The other Valentine‘s Day offering is Screen Gems‘ drama The Vow starring Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum.
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.
