International
Disney approaches Gores as talks with Weinsteins called off
MUMBAI: After its negotiations with Weisteins and its investor Ron Burkle were called off, Disney is set to renew talks with the Gores Brothers for the acquisition of Miramax.
The Gores had reportedly bid around $600 million for Miramax, but the amount was below the $625 million offered by the Weinstein/Burkle group and the $650 million bid by Pangea Group CEO David Bergstein.
Regarding the Weinstein talks, Burkle apparently decided that $ 625 million was too high and asked for a reduction. That‘s when talks broke down and Disney, which sought $700 million for Miramax called off the exclusive negotiating period.
Meanwhile, the Gores also are moving ahead with a bid of about $ 300 to acquire Overture Films and its related assets including the Anchor Bay home entertainment arm and animation companies, from Liberty Media.
The Gores‘ vision is to use the Overture management, pay TV slots, home video and other distribution capability to launch a company that could hit the ground running and maximise the value of the Miramax assets.
One reason the Weinsteins‘ backers believe they aren‘t done with Miramax is that whoever buys it will have to deal with Harvey and Bob Weinstein, who retained certain rights when they sold the company to Disney.
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.
