International
Biopic of Ronald Reagan planned
MUMBAI: A biopic on Ronald Reagan has been planned. Mark Joseph, who bought the rights of the books four years ago will co-produce the film with Ralph Winter.
The feature film, titled Reagan to be made in a budget of $30 million will show the ex-US president‘s life — from boyhood to Hollywood actor to leader of the free world will be based on two best-selling biographies of the 40th US President namely The Crusader and God and Ronald Reagan by Paul Kengor.
Winter‘s producing credits include four X-Men films, two Fantastic Four films and the 2001 remake of Planet of the Apes while Joseph, a marketing and development executive worked on films like Ray, Holes, Because of Winn-Dixie and The Passion of the Christ.
The film will begin with the 1981 assassination attempt on the ex-president and tells Reagan‘s story through flashbacks and flash-forwards.
It may be interesting to note that the Reagans miniseries starred James Brolin as the president and was supposed to air on CBS until a controversy erupted and it was shown on the premium cable outlet Showtime.
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.
