International
MGM, ITV renew deal for Bond films
MUMBAI: MGM‘s TV distribution has inked a multi-year renewal agreement with ITV for the James Bond movies, by which the latter will keep the franchise on the British commercial network and its family of channels for several years.
The deal that includes the over-the-air premiere of Quantum of Solace, has the entire Bond films including Casino Royale, Goldfinger, From Russia With Love and Diamonds Are Forever. These films will be shown on ITV1 HD.
No details were available of the value involved in the renewal deal.
Annual revenue from licensing the MGM library domestically and internationally to TV outlets, including moneys for the Bonds, is said to be in the range of $300 million.
Bond films typically rate well on European TV stations in their first airing and are often shown during holidays.
“James Bond is a British cinematic icon loved by ITV‘s audience, and we‘re delighted to continue the franchise‘s long association with ITV as well as the chance, for the first time, to show every Bond feature film in fantastic HD,” ITV director of digital channels and acquisitions Zai Bennett said.
ITV‘s broadcasting business is made up of ITV1, the country‘s largest commercial channel in terms of audience share, and several digital channels. Every year the network invests about ?1 billion ($1.57 billion) in content for its channels and the website itv.com.
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.
