International
Fox to bring animated King Kong
MUMBAI: 20th Century Fox has decided to bring the most popular ape back in an animated avatar. King Kong is returning in a modern-day setting.
The tale, which was screened last by director Peter Jackson and Universal Pictures in 2005 starring Naomi Watts, Jack Black and Adrien Brody, generated $550mn at the box office. It was the fourth highest grossing film in Universal Pictures history. It also won Academy awards for Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Mixing and Best Sound Editing.
Going by the popularity, Fox decided to bring an animated version of the film for which Christian Magalhaes and Bob Snow will write the script. This time, the story will be from the ape‘s point of view. King Kong, the true villain who dies trying to protect his love will be seen verbally expressing his heartbreak in the animated version.
At present, when sequels and prequels are making news, restructuring a classic film from the original villain‘s point of view qualifies as unconventional thinking. The 1993 original was remade in 1976 and 1986.
The animation remake will be produced by Shawn Levy‘s 21 Laps and Ted Field‘s Radar Pictures.
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.
