International
Survey finds Barrymore, Murphy in their own league
MUMBAI: According to a survey, Drew Barrymore and Eddie Murphy are in a league of their own.
Top stars can make tens of millions of dollars on a single film, and the payout can be justified when a movie like Pirates of the Caribbean brings in several hundred million at box offices. But when their movies bomb, that‘s another story. Barrymore saw her 2010 romantic comedy Going the Distance mop up $17.8 million in ticket sales. Her 2009 films Everybody‘s Fine and Whip It fared worse.
Forbes.com said the actress returns just 40 cents for every dollar movie studios spend for her participation.
In comparison, Murphy‘s films returned $2.70 for each dollar he was paid. Compared to Barrymore, Murphy is a financial superstar, said Forbes.com‘s Dorothy Pomerantz. But off late the star has been seen struggling with flops like Imagine That and Meet Dave.
The magazine compiled the list from Hollywood‘s 40 top-earning actors, and based it on each star‘s compensation on his or her last three films and the operating income on those films. From that, Forbes.com derived a return-on-investment.
Nicolas Cage, Nicole Kidman, Denzel Washington and Reese Witherspoon all made the top 10.
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.
