International
Javier Bardem being wooed for next Bond film
MUMBAI: Producers of the next James Bond film are wooing Spanish actor Javier Bardem to co-star with Daniel Craig.
Bardem, husband of talented Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, has made a significant impact in the movie world since he started acting when he was six years old in the 70s.
His most recent performance in the film No Country for Old Men and Biutiful have been pronounced as masterpieces. While he got an Oscar for supporting actor for the former, he was nominated as best actor for the latter.
Trade sources speculate that if Bardem signs up, he is expected to play another secret service agent or a bad guy in the film.
James Bond 007 is a fictional character created in 1953 by British journalist, writer and former Naval Intelligence officer Ian Fleming in several books and short stories.
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.
