International
Glasgow being readied for World War Z shoot
MUMBAI: Parts of Glasgow is being turned into war-torn ruins for the next two weeks, before the shoot of the Brad Pitt film World War Z commences. A cast and crew of about 1,200 people will be involved in shooting scenes in George Square and other city centre locations.
Although shot in Glasgow, the film is set in Philadelphia, so false shop fronts will be brought in and American cars will take to the city‘s streets.
Glasgow City Council said that the film could benefit the city‘s economy by ? 2million. Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council said, “We are ready to welcome the World War Z production to Glasgow. There is great anticipation in the city ahead of such a huge film coming here.”
The Glasgow film office has been working with the production over the past few months to help secure locations in the city and co-ordinating arrangements with council departments and other public bodies to ensure minimal impact on normal business and access.
The location manager for World War Z said that Glasgow had been chosen because of its architecture, wide roads and grid layout.
The film is based on Max Brooks‘ 2006 novel World War Z: An Oral History Of The Zombie War, which is set in Philadelphia in the aftermath of a war between humans and zombies.
World War Z is due to release next 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.
